Savanna Market Dental

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Bridges and dentures are traditional appliances used to replace missing teeth and can prevent your oral cavity from shifting. While this will help restore your smile, both methods often require occasional repairs and special treatment to maintain functionality. If this is not a plausible option, you may be a good candidate for Calgary tooth implants, a stronger more permanent tooth replacement method. Tooth replacement in Calgary’s NE can help you gain back your confidence and enjoy the benefits of a permanent restoration solution for your missing teeth. 

What is a Dental Implant?

Titanium rods that are surgically placed into your jawbone to support artificial teeth are dental implants. An implant fuses to your bone and living tissue, making it secure. You need to have enough healthy bone to undergo this kind of treatment. When a tooth has been missing for a long period, you may require a bone grafting procedure before an implant is possible.

Why You Might Choose to Have a Dental Implant

 A dental implant might be your choice of treatment after losing a tooth or after the extraction of multiple teeth. The benefits are appealing.

  •  Natural-looking teeth for a confident smile.
  •  Ability to use your mouth to chew and speak normally.
  •  Helps preserve the bone and shape of your jaw.
  •  Fixed in place so you don’t have a fear of dentures falling out unexpectedly.
  •  Resistant to infection, helping you have positive oral health.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a possibility for healthy adults. This type of tooth replacement in Calgary’s NE is avoided in children because their teeth and jawbone are still developing and could lead to dental implant failure. Your dentist will determine your eligibility for implants after a full review of your medical and oral health history. During a consultation, you will be informed of the procedure and any subsequent follow-up care. If your jawbone is not strong enough, you can discuss alternate treatment options.

 

WHEN TO AVOID DENTAL IMPLANTS?

  • Underlying Problems – If you have gum disease, poor oral health, grind your teeth, or uncontrolled diabetes then these existing problems may worsen with a surgical dental procedure. The implant process can aggravate pre-existing health issues.
  •  Smoking – If you are a smoker then you should know there is a higher risk of dental implant failure. Smoking generates negative bacteria in your mouth and can lessen the amount of protective saliva produced. This can slow down the fusion process between the implant and your bone. You will need to quit smoking, at least until the implant has completely fused with the jawbone.
  • Drinking Alcohol – Even if you enjoy having liquor you should avoid it for at least 72 hours after dental implant surgery. Implant problems can occur because of alcohol consumption due to capillaries and vessels dilating. This leads to heightened pain and can restrict the blood flow needed to carry essential nutrients to heal the surgical site.
  •  Unwilling to Change Your Diet – Are you ready to make a change in what you eat? You will need to eat only soft foods during the time it takes for your bone to fuse to the implant. This usually takes a few weeks with the full fusion happening after several months. You will likely begin to eat normally after a week or two. Altering your diet helps ensure stabilization. Consuming hard and crunchy foods may risk the implant moving.
  •  Unable to Commit – If you can’t commit to keeping your teeth and gums clean by regular brushing and flossing then dental implants may be wrong for you. You need to protect your implant once it is placed inside your mouth. Routine cleaning and care are required just like they are for your natural teeth. Recommended visits to your dentist for regular checkups help identify any potential issues. If you don’t take care of your implant, bacteria can accumulate around it, weakening the gums and supporting bone which may lead to implant failure.
  • Pregnancy – Dental implants should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. This type of treatment requires a higher strength of anesthetic which can be harmful to you and your unborn child.

Dental Implants for a Full Smile

Getting the smile that you want can be achieved with tooth replacement in Calgary’s NE. Our dentists at Savanna Market Dental can help restore a full set of teeth that is fully functional giving you the confidence to show off your pearly whites. Our advanced technology ensures the procedure is safe and comfortable. It is important to ask questions regarding your dental service, so you feel completely satisfied and ready to start the process.