Hudson dental implant recipients will enjoy many advantages, both aesthetically and functionally. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks extremely realistic and works just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants are suitable for patients of all ages. This tooth replacement option can be an option for individuals who’ve lost a tooth (or teeth) due to:
- Injury/accident;
- Cavity and decay; and
- Disease.
The process for placing dental implants is generally the same, regardless of the cause of the tooth loss.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
Hudson patients can find some peace of mind knowing that dental implants account for the most successful type of implant in humans. The titanium “root” of the implants is very well tolerated by the human body, so chances of a problem in this regard are very remote.
When getting dental implants, Hudson patients can expect to attend an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an exam and x-rays. If the dentists needs to pull any teeth, these will typically be extracted at least a few weeks before the implant surgery because this allows the bone to grow into the empty socket. This gives the implant more surface area to bond with. A bone graft may also be utilized.
The implant surgery is usually done under local anesthesia. Many surgeons offer conscious sedation, which involves extreme relaxation that makes the procedure less stressful for the patient. General anesthesia (where you’re totally unconscious) may be required for some more complex procedures.
The average implant surgery lasts around one hour, although this process may be longer in cases where the dentist is implanting multiple teeth.
In some cases, the dental implant is one piece, comprised of a “root” that fuses with the jaw bone and a crown, which simulates the appearance and function of a natural tooth. But there are cases where the implant may be placed and the crown is placed at a later time.
One example of this involves “All-on-4” dental implants. Hudson patients who are undergoing this procedure will have four implants placed on each jaw. (These implants are utilized in cases where the party has lost all of their teeth on one or both jaws.) The implants have a little nub or port that sits above the gum line. Typically, after the patient heals from the implant surgery, the dentist will place the second part of the “All-on-4” system: a full denture-like prosthesis that attaches to the four metal ports/nubs. These dental implants provide a great alternative to full dentures, which can be unreliable since full dentures are usually affixed with adhesive.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*