Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Explanation of the Procedure

Dental implant surgery is one of the most sought after procedures for people who have a missing tooth (or teeth). However, even with the fact that most people consider this type of dental procedure, there are a lot of questions boiling inside. 

This post is meant to shed some light on the whole procedure. For starters, before you settle for this procedure, it is important for you to understand that there are different types of dental implants. It is upon the dentist and his team of professionals to choose the right implants for you. However, that is not all. For you to be a fit candidate for the procedure you must ensure that you are of good health in general.

So if you are new to this, here is a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, what to expect and the benefits of getting it done.

• First and foremost, before any dental procedures are done, you (the patient) must consult a professional dentist for consultation purposes. Just like any treatment, consultation is necessary as it will provide an opportunity for the dentist to examine you and test whether you are fit for a dental implant procedure or not.
• Through consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if the bone structure is strong enough to support any dental implant. If it happens that you do not have enough bone, then your doctor will let you know that the only option for you to get an implant is if you have a bone graft.
• Secondly, the implants are normally made of titanium and are popularly used to replace missing teeth. The dental implants that your doctor chooses for you are placed on the root of the teeth that are missing then firmly fused to the actual jawbone. First, an incision in the gum is made, and then the actual implant is inserted into the incision. After the implant has been placed, the gum is then sewn up and then the patient is given some time out to heal properly.
• The healing process might take up to several months. However, the most important part of the healing process is to ensure that the bone and the dental implant (or implants) are strong enough to firmly hold the tooth in place.
• Thirdly, after the healing process, the after-care is a very important stage. And because dental implants feel just like normal teeth, taking care of your implants should not be a challenge. You should ensure that you brush frequently and that you observe any other dental hygiene practices that are associated with ordinary teeth.
• Basically, to maximize the longevity of the prosthetic tooth (or teeth), dental care and oral hygiene is a must. Also ensure that you keep off sugary and extremely hot foods and drinks. 
• Lastly, dental implants are a permanent option. In addition to this, they feel like real teeth. Therefore, if you are looking for a permanent option that will not take you out of your comfort zone, then dental implants are a perfect option. Get to your dentist, replace those missing teeth and wear your beautiful smile again.