There are plenty of treatment options for a person who lost a tooth. The first is to installdetachable dentures or bridges, which are affordable but not very durable. The second and more reliable choice is to get a dental implant. Read on to learn more about it.

Overview

A dental implant is a replacement tooth often fastened to the gums by a screw. It won’t get accidentally removed because the metal root provides a strong foundation. This treatment option is sought by many people since it has plenty of advantages, such as:

• Improved appearance – Dentists will accurately measure the size and shape of the missing teeth to ensure that the implant will look and feel natural when worn by the patient.
• Prevention of slurred speech – The common problem with bridges and dentures is they’re ill-fitting sometimes. When that’s the case, the person wearing them may mumble or slur their words when speaking. This isn’t an issue with implants.
• Easier chewing – Ill-fitting dentures sometimes slide from one side to another, preventing the person from chewing and eating properly. Implants are tightly fixed to the gums to avoid this kind of problem.

They’re also very durable. Their metal roots are made of titanium alloys that’ll surely last for many years, even with minimal maintenance. The crown is porcelain, so it won’t break or chip easily.

Procedure

The planning process for this treatment option is quite tedious. The patient will have to consult multiple specialists. Aside from their dentist, they should also speak with a maxillofacial surgeon to check the shape of their face. A prosthodontist and a periodontistwill help in getting the accurate measurements of the teethimplants that’ll be used.

The patient also needs to get a facial X-ray and a 3D imaging scan to obtain an accurate model of their jaw.A thorough review of their medical history is also required. They should tell their specialist if they have existing conditions that may cause complications during or after the procedure.

In turn, the dentist will explain the risk factors of this treatment option. Heavy smokers, pregnant women, and people with chronic disorders, like diabetes and heart disease, can’t get dental implants because they may develop complications.

Surgery and Healing Process

The procedure itself isn’t painful. There’s minimal discomfort because the dentist will administer anesthesia first. But, the whole process can take up to 3 or 4 hours.

Once the operation is complete, it’s normal for the patient to feel mild soreness in their mouth. It can be relieved by taking painkillers, like paracetamol. The discomfort will naturally go awayin a week when the healing process is done.

Do you need to undergo this dental procedure, too? Visit a teeth implant center in New Jersey and speak with their specialists.