Getting dental implants in Okotoks may be ideal for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, gum disease, or other incidents such as trauma.
What Are Dental Implants?
Implants are used to replace the root of a tooth that has been lost. It is typically made of titanium and placed under the gum into the patient’s bone. By being shaped like a screw, the implant can easily be drilled into the jaw, where it will complete the process of osseointegration. As a result, the implant can fully support the new artificial tooth attached to it by an abutment.
Process of a Dental Implant
Your Okotoks dentist will first begin by examining your unique dental case and determining if you are a candidate for the procedure. For the device to bond and by extension, for your mouth to heal correctly, a strong jawbone is required. Some patients may require additional procedures such as a bone graft before being able to proceed to the surgery.
Once the dentist has determined this is the most appropriate course of action, they will begin the treatment. The first surgery appointment will involve drilling the implant into the bone. Your dentist will carefully open your gum line and add the device. The gums will then be closed to allow the implant screw to fully integrate into the bone before the second portion of the procedure. Approximately four to six months are needed for your mouth to recover. The surgery itself may take about two hours. The patient will then be sent home with a temporary tooth to fill the open gap, or the dentist may opt to let the gums heal with no prosthesis.
After this healing period, the implant will be examined to ensure it is ready to support the new tooth. The dental crown will be custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth and be bound to the implant by the abutment. Once the crown is placed, the patient will have complete function of the tooth and may return to their natural habits of eating and smiling as they did before a lost tooth.
Will Surgery Be Painful?
Dental implant surgery is performed with local anesthesia to avoid any excessive discomfort. Your dentist in Okotoks will ensure the surgical site is numb and that patients do not feel any pain. In some cases, a stronger form of anesthesia may be used.
Patients may feel some discomfort post-surgery due to the anesthesia fading away gradually. Your dentist may prescribe medication that will help minimize any pain or recommend over-the-counter medications for patients to take.
Aftercare Recommendations
Once implants have fully healed, and the patient has full use of their new teeth, they should care for them as they would their natural smile. Your dental implants may last a lifetime when taken proper care of at home and with regular checkups with a dentist near you. Ensure you follow a good oral hygiene routine and schedule biannual visits to a dental clinic. Your dentist will be able to ensure the implants are in good standing and professionally clean your teeth. Your new artificial teeth will not decay, but any gum infection could affect the durability of the implants if left unaddressed.
Are you interested in getting dental implants near you? Cornerstone Dental Wellness offers different services for smile restoration, and our friendly staff can help you determine which procedure will be best for you! Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
