What to Expect From Dental Implants
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
The simple definition of dental implants is that they are artificial tooth roots that hold one or more artificial teeth on top. Many cosmetic dentists consider dental implants to be superior to other forms of tooth replacement because they are more permanent and do not disturb the other healthy teeth in your mouth. As a result, Dr. Adam Chapnick answers questions about dental implants on a regular basis to patients who have gaps in their smile due to missing teeth.
The dental implant process is not as simple as its definition, which is why it is important that you have this procedure performed by a highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist. Dental implants are a very popular procedure at Molson Park Dental Office, and we want you to be fully aware of what to expect before, during and after treatment.
Determining Dental Implant Candidates
To be a candidate for dental implants, you must have a gap in your smile caused by the loss of one or more teeth. A complete dental examination is required to determine the state of your current oral health and if your jawbone can support a dental implant. Dr. Chapnick also takes into account your general overall health, current medications you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.
If you have gum disease or require a bone graft to build up your jawbone prior to dental implant surgery, these conditions are addressed first to ensure your future success with the dental implant procedure.
Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in the dental implant process is to surgically place titanium screws into your jawbone. Dr. Chapnick will perform this procedure in his dental office.
One of the most critical stages in the process is to allow these screws to fuse with your jawbone so you have a solid, permanent foundation for your artificial tooth. This fusion process takes time. Every person heals at his or her own pace, but on average it takes three to six months for this osseointegration process.
After the jawbone has successfully grown around the dental implant, a second surgical procedure is performed to add a post or abutment on top of the dental implant. This post will act as an anchor for your artificial tooth. Your gum line is opened, the post attached and the gum tissue closed so the post sits above the gum line. An additional one to two weeks is allowed for the healing of your gum tissue before your replacement tooth is attached.
You may experience some discomfort in the days and weeks following the surgical portions of the dental implant procedure, such as:
- Gum pain, swelling or bruising
- Slight bleeding
- Skin bruising
- Face swelling
Living with your Dental Implant
Dental implants give you the freedom to eat, speak and smile with confidence. They are strong, durable dental restorations that function like any of your normal teeth. The Empress porcelain tooth crowns Dr. Chapnick uses for your replacement teeth are custom made to be the right shape, size and color to match your existing teeth. Porcelain teeth can become cracked if you do not treat them right, so be sure to avoid bad habits such as fingernail biting or ice chewing.
You should continue good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily and visiting a dentist every six months for regular check-ups. While your artificial tooth is not susceptible to tooth decay, you need to pay attention to your gums to avoid gum disease around the area.
Please contact our dental implant dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick at Molson Park Dental Office in Barrie, to learn more about how dental implants can give you a new reason to smile.
