Missing teeth can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. Losing one or more teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place. That can throw your bite out of alignment. It may also result in issues like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Also, missing teeth can affect the shape of your face, making it appear aged or sunken.

Besides the physical effects, missing teeth can harm your confidence and self-esteem. You may feel self-conscious about your smile if you have missing teeth. You may even refrain from smiling in public or avoid social situations. That can significantly affect your quality of life, making it harder to form new relationships, maintain existing ones, and succeed in social and professional life.

What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots inserted into the jawbone surgically. The bone surrounding it holds the implant in place over several months as it develops. The dentist then fills the gap with prosthetic teeth connected to the implant using a metal connector.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant surgery is typically an outpatient operation. The implant itself, typically made from a combination of titanium and other materials, fuses with the jawbone to mimic the root of a natural tooth. This artificial foundation allows the dentist to secure and stabilize replacement teeth, ensuring they look and feel as natural as possible.

The dental implant procedure typically involves multiple appointments, starting with an initial consultation, a separate appointment for the implant placement, and another for the attachment of the new teeth.

What to Expect Before Surgery

To ensure you have enough jawbone to support the implant, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth and take X-rays during the consultation. He/she will discuss any illnesses or prescription drugs that might affect the procedure.

The dentist will also discuss the number of implants you require, the kind of implant, and the timing of the procedure. To ensure that the implant will fit properly, he/she might take impressions of your teeth.

What to Expect During Surgery

Depending on the procedure’s complexity, you might receive IV sedation. That will make you sleepy and relaxed during the operation. Your dentist might use local anesthesia to numb the area around the implant.

The dentist will then make a small gum incision to insert the implant, a small titanium post, into your jawbone. After the implant placement in the jawbone, he/she will stitch up the incision.

After Surgery

For a few days, you can anticipate some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following surgery. You will receive instructions on how to control your swelling and pain. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to you to prevent infection.

Before attaching the restoration attached on top, the implant must first heal and integrate with your jawbone for a few months. You must consume soft foods only and refrain from biting or chewing on the implant site. You must take care of the implant just like your natural teeth. That entails toothbrushing, flossing, and routine dental exams to ensure the implant is sound and operating correctly.

Conclusion

It is best to address the problem of missing teeth as soon as possible. Several options are available to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. These include dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Consult a dentist to determine the best treatment for your individual needs.

For more on dental implants, visit bty Dental at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. Call (907) 333-6666 to schedule an appointment today.