A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Implants

Dental implants are a reliable solution if you’re looking to replace one or more missing or damaged teeth. They are artificial teeth that are attached to your jawbone through surgery. Implants function and perform just like your natural teeth. In addition, they last for many years and only require regular oral hygiene.

If you’re considering dental implants, Andover Cosmetic Dental Group offers high-quality and long-lasting teeth implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Increased comfort – Implants are made to look similar to your natural teeth. Once the surgical area has healed, you should not be able to notice the implant.
• Convenient – Unlike dentures, dental implants offer a permanent solution to a missing or damaged tooth. You won’t have to remove your fake teeth before going to bed or to wash them. Also, you won’t need to invest in any special dental products.
• Durable – If well cared for, dental implants can last for a lifetime.
• Improved speech – Missing teeth alter the way you speak. Getting implants will restore your ability to speak fluently without mumbling words.
• Better digestion – Chewing properly can be a problem if you have a missing or damaged tooth. A dental implant will restore your ability to chew food properly.
• Improved facial appearance and self-esteem – Getting a dental implant will restore your smile and self-confidence. Besides, it will lift your face, improving your facial appearance.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Expensive – One of the major disadvantages of getting a dental implant is the initial cost. But considering the benefits you’ll enjoy from getting a dental implant, it’s a worthy investment. A dental implant gives you back your natural teeth’s appearance and functionality.
• Invasive – Dental implants are considered more invasive than other tooth replacement options, as surgery is required.
• Longer treatment time – It will take several months from start to finish to get your dental implants.

Are Dental Implant Procedures Painful?

If you have dental anxiety, you do not have to worry as far as dental implants are concerned. Your dentist will numb the dental implant area with local anesthesia to ensure that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

After the procedure, the local anesthetic will wear off. It’s normal to experience some post-surgery discomfort, which varies from one person to another. In most cases, you may feel minimal pain or soreness, similar to a tooth extraction procedure.

The pain and discomfort can be reduced with pain medication that your dentist can prescribe for you. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics and oral rinses to promote faster recovery.

Most patients resume their normal activities the next day. If you experience bleeding, severe pain, or discomfort that doesn’t settle after taking painkillers, call your dentist immediately.

Who Needs a Dental Implant?

You’re eligible for dental implants if you have one or more missing or severely damaged teeth.

While you may assume that you don’t need to replace missing teeth, it’s actually very important to do so. When you lose a natural tooth, the surrounding bone in the empty gap begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. In the long run, this leads to bone loss.

Getting teeth implants in good time will prevent bone loss and ensure the dental implant procedure is easier. If you lack enough bone mass to support the implants, your dentist will have to perform a bone graft first.

If you’re considering a dental implant, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation at Andover Cosmetic Dental Group for immediate dental implants.

The Recovery Process

After the first procedure, you’ll have to make several trips to your dentists. On average, dental implants fuse with your jawbone completely after about four months or more. Once they are fully healed, they can last for a lifetime.

Caring for your dental implants after the procedure is easy and straightforward. They require similar care to your natural teeth. Here are some care tips:

• Brush at least twice a day.
• Floss regularly.
• Maintain routine dental visits.
• Avoid chewy or hard foods immediately after the procedure.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid very hot or cold meals.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Rest and stay hydrated.
• Practice good oral hygiene.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

If you’re considering a dental implant treatment or have additional questions or concerns about dental implants, contact Andover Cosmetic Dental Group today.