What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a transformative experience. An implant is an artificial root which gets surgically inserted into your jawbone. This occurs when you have lost one or more of your natural teeth. Replacing teeth is an important procedure to keep your mouth fully functional for speaking and eating properly. Implants can prevent bone loss and getting a sagging look to your face. The dental implants act as anchors for false teeth that are attached to them. This is a long-term solution that fuses a titanium root to your jawbone providing support for dentures known as an implant-supported denture or a bridge.

Why Do Your Teeth Fall Out?

There are many reasons you may require dental implants.

• Poor Oral Health – When you disregard your oral health and avoid brushing and flossing, you are more prone to cavities. Cavities damage the surface of your teeth and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss or a need for tooth extraction.

• Unhealthy Diet – If you consume lots of alcohol or sugar then you are weakening your teeth. Excess sugar turns into acid which reacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth, eating away at your gums and enamel. Alcohol is a gum irritant and weakens your immune system making it more difficult for you to ward off dental issues like periodontal disease.

• Trauma – Have you had a traumatic fall and knocked out one or more teeth? This kind of injury can weaken the surrounding area in your mouth and lead to further tooth loss.

• Disease – Certain health conditions can be a culprit of tooth loss. Additionally, some medications can cause dry mouth leading to a reduction in the amount of saliva resulting in oral health issues.
  
  

At Savanna Market Dental, we can treat you for any of these reasons and will ensure we offer you a treatment plan that works for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Needing Dental Implants

There are some warning signs that let you know it is time for dental implants from your dentist in NE Calgary.

• Loose Dentures or a Dental Bridge – Forget the fear of your dentures falling out during an important conversation when you have permanent implants put in place.

• Infected Tooth – An infected tooth can lead to a load of dental issues and may need to be extracted. If this is the case, an implant may be the way to go.
  
  

Your dentist in NE Calgary will let you know if you are a good candidate and if it is the right time for a dental implant.

Types of Dental Implants

There are three main types of dental implants.

1. Endosteal Implants – The safest of the implant procedures is only performed on healthy jawbone that will allow for proper fusion.

2. Subperiosteal Implants – You may not have much bone in your jawline, so this is likely the option for you.

3. Zygomatic Implants – The most complex of implants, it anchors to your cheekbone instead of your upper jaw. It is usually used when you have bone loss in your upper back jaw.
   
   

What Happens During a Dental Implant?

Several steps happen over time with this type of dental procedure.

• Step 1: An assessment is done at your dentist in NE Calgary where you can ask questions and your dentist will explain the treatment to you.

• Step 2: A dental X-ray is taken of your facial structure and bone mass to help determine which implants are right for you.

• Step 3: Your implant is customized to match your face size and shape.

• Step 4: An anesthetic is given so you can be comfortable during the treatment.

• Step 5: Dental posts are surgically inserted into your jaw and a temporary implant may be placed in the implant location as you heal. This may take weeks to months but is an important period where the bone fuses to the implant.

• Step 6: After this time, your gum is reopened, and an abutment is placed on top of the implant. A crown is attached to the abutment then the steps are complete.
  
  

Your new teeth might feel awkward at first, but soon you will not even notice the difference between the implants and your natural teeth.