Heart Health: Don't Neglect Dental Care

If you are missing a tooth, or a number of teeth, you have the option of getting a crown, a bridge, dentures, or an implant. Of all of the options, a dental implant will be the one that lasts the longest and is the strongest. An implant is the most like your natural teeth. However, getting an implant requires implant dentistry, which will involve surgery, To better help you to understand the process, here is a bit of information you should know before having your first consultation.

Implanting the Rods

If you have any teeth or partial teeth remaining in your mouth that you plan on replacing with an implant, they will need to be removed first. Once they are gone, the surgeon will cut into your gums and drill into your jawbone. If your jawbone is not strong enough or is not thick enough, the surgeon will graft more tissue to the area. A titanium rod will then be inserted into the hole that was drilled. 

After Surgery Care

The area of your mouth where the rods were placed may be sore, tender, and inflamed for a few days. It may be uncomfortable to wear any temporary false teeth for the first day. Make sure to have plenty of soft foods on hand. Take your time moving on to more solid foods, and eat only what is comfortable. You will need to make sure to brush the area, taking care to not cause more pain or open the surgical site. You may need to use a dental mouthwash at first to ensure no bacteria can get into the site. Your dentist will give complete instructions for proper care of the area.

Adding the Teeth

When the rods have been placed, they will need time to be ready for the permanent teeth that will be placed on them. Your jawbone needs time to grow around the rods to keep them stable. Until the area is healed and stable you will be given temporary teeth to fit over the area, very similar to dentures, however, they are designed to not put too much pressure on the area to allow for healing. Once the healing is complete, the implant dentist will fit permanent teeth to the rods. 

Implant dentistry can be done for a single tooth or for any number of teeth that need to be replaced. The number of rods inserted will be determined by how many teeth you want and their location. Talk with your dentist to determine the best option for your missing teeth. If you decide on implants, make an appointment for your consultation. Once things get started, it won't be long before you have a full set of beautiful teeth again.

To learn more, contact a business such as Middleton Dental Care.