Replacing Missing Teeth Using Dental Implants

Replacing Missing Teeth Using Dental Implants

Nov 01, 2020

Missing teeth due to tooth decay or accidents affect your oral functionalities as well as your appearance. Therefore, you can consider getting a replacement for the missing teeth. There are several options you can consider to replace your missing teeth. Some of the teeth replacement options your Westminster dentist can recommend are dentures, teeth implants, and bridges.

However, among the teeth replacement options, teeth implants offer a more permanent and comfortable solution.

Teeth implants are biocompatible titanium screws that your dentist places into your jawbone to hold an artificial tooth cap, dental bridge, or a denture prosthesis. The teeth implants integrate with your jawbone, offering stability, just like your natural teeth’ roots.

When Do I Need a Dental Implant?

Your dentist can recommend teeth implants to replace one, multiple, or all teeth on your jaw. When replacing missing teeth using dental implants, the goal is to restore the functions and smile esthetics. Therefore, you can get teeth implants for the following reasons:

  • To hold a full arch bridge
  • Supporting a denture
  • Replacing a single tooth

Dentures are easy to fall out and provide room for bone loss. However, with teeth implants to support the denture prosthesis, you enjoy the comfort and prevent bone degradation.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, can be supported by adjacent natural teeth or an abutment attached to a dental implant. There are several types of bridges that your dentist can recommend, depending on your condition.

At our family dental clinic in Westminster, we can use a Roundhouse dental bridge. When using the dental bridge, the dentist removes some teeth and uses 10 to 12 mini-implants to support it.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Teeth implants procedure

Since the dental implant placement procedure is surgical, it might require some time to get the results. The teeth implants procedure also requires preparation and two more appointments.

Preparation

During the first dental appointment when getting dental implants in Westminster, CO, the dentist assesses your mouth to ensure you are fit for getting teeth implants. The dentist can take x-rays to examine the quality and quantity of your jawbone. If your jawbone doesn’t have enough mass to support the teeth implants, the dentist will recommend a bone graft before proceeding.

Surgery

Once the dentist clears you to get teeth implants surgery, you can return for the procedure. During the implant placement procedure, the dentist will first extract an existing tooth within the potential positions of the implants.

If you don’t have any teeth that require extraction, your dentist will proceed to administer local anesthesia. To avoid complications associated with anesthetics, you should notify your dentist if you have had anesthetic injections in the recent past. You can also give your dentist your detailed medical history to avoid complications during the minor surgery.

After numbing the implant locations, the dentist will make incisions through your gums and your jaw to provide space for the teeth implants. The dentist will then place the titanium screw, leave it to heal, and integrate with the jawbone. In the meantime, the dentist can place a temporary dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Recovery and Placing the Dental Crown, Bridge, or Denture

The recovery timeline after getting teeth implants depends on the quality of the jawbone. However, the standard healing period after getting teeth implants is between two and six months.

After recovery, the dentist will schedule an appointment to place your permanent dental restoration. The dentist removes the temporary tooth restoration and replaces it with a permanent one before checking the bite and aesthetics. Finally, the dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment.

Taking Care of Your Dental Restorations

After getting teeth implants in Fox Creek Dental by Espire in Westminster, the dentist might give you some instructions on how to take care of your dental restorations.

Just like other dental restorations, teeth implants are prone to damage. Therefore, to improve the lifespan of your teeth implants, you can do the following:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day to eliminate food particles that can provide habitats for bacteria
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
  • Avoid chewing or biting on hard objects
  • Wear a protective mouthguard to prevent dental injuries
  • Don’t use any tobacco products to prevent staining and discoloration of your dental work

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