Dental Implants: The Essential Information For Potential Candidates

If you are looking for an effective way to restore your missing teeth, you cannot go wrong with dental implants. They are a permanent way to replace teeth that give you stability when chewing, talking, or smiling. Before you make a decision about getting dental implants at a clinic like http://www.couchmandental.com, it is important to know the essential information about them. This includes the surgery phases, the different types of implants available, and the care they require.

Surgery Phases & Success Rate

Dental implants require two phases to complete the surgery, which are referred to as the surgical and restorative phases. The first surgical phase is performed by your dental surgeon, while a general dentist or prosthodontist performs the restorative phase.

During the surgical phase, the posts that will eventually hold the fake teeth are implanted into your jawbone. It will take several weeks for the jawbone to fuse with the implant, which makes the posts secure in your mouth. Until then, you can wear a temporary fake tooth to hide the post.

Dental implant failure is most likely to happen during this time, as the post may not fuse correctly with the jawbone. While 95% of dental implant procedures are successful, there is always a chance that something can go wrong.

Types of Implants

Your main options for dental implants are endosteal or subperiosteal. Your dentist can give you an assessment of your jawbone by measuring the strength and amount of jawbone that you have. They will do this by taking a CT scan or X-ray. Dentists often recommend an endosteal implant, as they resemble an actual tooth in the way that they implant into the jawbone.

A subperiosteal implant works by securing a metal framework to the jawbone. Posts on the framework stick through the gum tissue, which the permanent teeth are anchored to. It is a technique used if your dentist determines that your jawbone cannot accept an endosteal implant.

Implant Care

Once an implant has been successfully installed, you will need to care for it as if it was a natural tooth. While the permanent tooth will not be susceptible to decay, you can still have issues with gum disease that will weaken a dental implant. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular visits for a dental check up are still required to maintain good oral health. The biggest benefit to having an implant is that it will not require any special tools to take care of them.

By understanding the surgery phases, the different types of implants, and how to care for them, you can decide if they are right for you.