If you have been considering a restorative procedure for a lost tooth, you may be pondering the installation of a dental implant. However, you may still be unsure about an implant restoration, especially if this is the first permanent tooth that you have lost. Having answers to the questions you may have about dental implants can help ease your concerns. Here are a few common questions about implant dentistry:
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are small screws or rods that have been made from a biocompatible metal called titanium. During an in-office surgical procedure, an implant is inserted into your jawbone through the gums at the site where your natural tooth was lost.
The implant is drilled into place and integrates with the jawbone as the resulting wound heals. Once the implantation site has healed and the implant is secured within the bone, an abutment and crown are placed to fully restore the lost tooth.
Do you have to restrict your diet with a dental implant?
With a dental implant, no special dietary considerations are needed. You can feel free to enjoy any of the foods that you would eat with your natural teeth. Still, it is best to steer clear of unusually hard foods that could crack or chip a natural tooth because these items could likewise damage a dental crown.
Is the implantation procedure painful?
The dental implantation procedure is not painful. To ensure your comfort, numbing medication is injected at the implantation site, preventing you from feeling pain.
If you are mentally stressed and afraid of having an invasive procedure, the dentist can provide dental sedation to alleviate your fears and help you to remain calm throughout the implant restoration.
How long does a dental implant last?
A dental implant restoration should remain in place for the lifetime of the dental patient.
Does a dental implant look natural?
One question that may be prevalent in the mind of a person considering a dental implant is how natural the restoration will appear. To a casual observer, an implant restoration should appear completely natural.
The crown that is used to cover the implant is typically made of a tooth-colored material, such as porcelain or porcelain-over-metal. The actual tone of the dental ceramic material can be matched to the color variations in the patient's natural teeth.
For more information about dental implants, schedule a consultation with an implant dentist at a dental clinic like Northwest Dental Services and Implant Center in your local area.
Share22 August 2017
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.