Missing a tooth happens and unfortunately, this can make people feel less confident about their smile and encourage a poor self-image. But you don’t have to live with a missing tooth any longer. Patients can choose to have dental implants in Norman. At Smile Solutions, we’re going to tell you all about dental implant restoration and why you should consider this option when you’re missing teeth.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

If you have one or more missing teeth, you’ll want your smile restored as soon as possible. Of course, there are quick, easy fixes. This can include dentures. But this isn’t always the best solution for some patients. In fact, spending a little bit more time with implant restoration can be a better solution if you want to enjoy natural-looking replacement teeth.

Implant restoration involves replacing the tooth roots in your gums with a metal post and placing an artificial tooth in place. It’s called a crown and it’s going to look and function just like a real tooth.

It’s important to understand that there are three parts to a dental implant. This includes:

• The Crown – this is the part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth and it is going to fill the gap of the missing one. Often, the crown is made from a ceramic material to give it a good shape and color.
• The Abutment – You may hear this part called the connector when talking about an implant. Just as the name suggests, it connects the crown to the dental implant base that’s attached to the bone.
• The Base – This is the part of the implant that fuses with natural bone to hold the whole dental implant in place. It’s a titanium screw, providing stability and security in the mouth. Over time, it fuses with the bone in a way that cannot be achieved by other treatment options.

It can take two or three surgeries for patients to enjoy implant restoration. For example, the first implant surgery will involve the base being inserted into the bone. The next will be the placement of the abutment. Then patients can enjoy the placement of the crowns. Some time is needed for healing after an implant and it is important to realize that the procedure will take time. However, most patients love the results.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

During the implant restoration procedure, patients are normally sedated. This makes it a pain-free process and you don’t have to worry. It’s a surgical procedure that is carried about by an experienced dentist. They will drill a small hole into the patient’s jawbone. This is where the base will be secured. Gum is used to cover this screw so that it can heal nicely and you won’t know it’s there.

It can take several months for osseointegration to begin after an implant. This is when the jawbone fuses with the base and created a secure post for the abutment and artificial tooth. A second surgery is necessary for patients to have the abutment fixed in place. This will be inserted on top of the base. It can take another two weeks for the gums to heal before the crown will be fixed to the abutment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Restorations?

There are certain dentistry requirements in order to enjoy an implant. This makes sure that the best results can be achieved for every individual. Implant restorations may be a good choice for you if:

• Have are missing one or more teeth
• You don’t want to wear dentures
• You’re in good health
• You have a healthy jawbone for the security of the base and abutment
• You don’t smoke
• You can undergo two surgeries

Before going ahead with the implant surgery, dentistry experts will carry out comprehensive examinations. This involves taking x-rays and asking about your medical history. In addition, a personalized treatment plan will be created for the best results.

The Risks of Dental Implants

With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. But it’s important to point out that risks associated with dental implants aren’t common or are treatable. Some risks include:

• Sinus problems
• Nerve damage
• Damage to other teeth
• Infection

How Long does it Take to Heal from a Dental Implant?

We know that patients are looking for a quick solution when one or more of their teeth are missing. But implants can take time, as the jawbone has to fuse to the base for security and the gums need time to heal from surgery. You can expect some swelling of the gums and bruising after the surgeries. In addition, the mouth can feel sore and you can experience some minor bleeding. Pain medication may be necessary.

It is advised for patients to eat soft foods after surgery. This is going to make chewing easier and minimize pain. It also gives the surgical site time to heal without aggravation.

Healing time from treatment can vary from patient to patient. It can take patients around four to six months to complete their restoration journey. It is essential that no stage of treatment is rushed to ensure the best results.

The Benefits of Dental Implant Restoration

There are a lot of benefits to choosing dental implants in Norman. For most people, they’re easier to look after than dentures. You don’t have to put them in a solution overnight; you just treat them like your natural teeth. Very simple and doesn’t require any extra effort. They’re a permanent solution when you’ve lost teeth and don’t require any special maintenance. Just brush them twice a day like your natural teeth.

A dental implant is often the best choice when you have missing teeth. The artificial tooth looks natural and doesn’t stand out. This can improve your self-esteem and feel like you never lost your pearly whites. They feel comfortable in your mouth and make eating easy too. A problem with dentures is they move around and can be uncomfortable to wear all day or make chewing difficult. You can avoid these problems by choosing a more permanent solution that is fused to the bone.

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they don’t move around as some dentures do. They’re inserted into the jaw bone and are secure. You don’t have to worry about anyone knowing you have dental implants; they blend in perfectly. They’re strong too so you can do everything as normal and not have to adjust your lifestyle just because you now have dental implants.

What are the Different Types of Crowns?

When you choose an implant, you will be advised on the various types of crowns that you can choose. Often, it will be down to your personal preference, the appearance and your budget. Let’s go over some of the most popular choices with their advances and disadvantages.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

If you’ve lost one of your front incisors, you may want to consider ceramic dental crowns. They are popular due to their natural color and texture that blend in well. Nobody will know you have an implant. Their not the strongest for replacing molars or pre-molars in some cases.

Porcelain-Infused to Metal Dental Crowns

If you’re looking for a good mix of durability and natural appearance, you may want to consider porcelain-infused to metal crowns. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, knowing that your implant is subtle but sturdy enough for hard chewing after treatment.

Gold Alloys Dental Crowns

If you choose this option, it’s going to look obvious that you have an implant. While some people like this style, others don’t. It may be down to your budget that you select this one. But the good news is that it’s highly durable and strong, coping well with hard foods.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

The good thing about this treatment is that the results can last a long time. Yes, recovery from dental implants can take several months. But you can enjoy the treatment results for up to 25 years. This procedure involves permanent tooth placement and as long as you look after them, they can last a very long time.

There are some simple things you can do to ensure the longevity of your dental implant. This includes:

• Practicing good oral hygiene – Make sure that you keep up with brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget your regular trips to the dentist too.
• Watching what you eat – Hard pieces of food risk damaging your artificial tooth. So, be careful with how you are chewing certain foods and this can avoid cracks or chips from forming.
• Having a healthy lifestyle – Practicing a healthy lifestyle can help to keep your implants in good condition. For example, those who don’t smoke or drink are avoiding damage to their teeth.
• Choosing an experienced dentist – If you choose an experienced dentistry practice from the beginning, you can ensure the best results. Always choose the dentist that you trust and that offers you high-quality implant options.

Can a Tooth Implant be Repaired?

So, the worst has happened. You’ve just got treatment and you’ve already chipped one of your teeth. Is it possible for it to be repaired? The answer is yes. In some cases, it may be possible to repair a chipped implant. A special composite material will be necessary. If it’s only the crown that has been damaged, it may be possible to get a new one attached to the abutment. It won’t be necessary for the base to be infused to the bone again.

If the base that’s secured to the bone becomes damaged, this may not be safely repaired. It may be best to have a total replacement. This will involve going through the bone infusion process, abutment and then placement of the teeth again. This will depend on how much damage has been sustained. It’s always best to choose a professional with implant dentistry experience to ensure the best results.

Dental Implants in Norman

At Smile Solutions, we can help you with dental implant restoration. Whether you’ve had an accident and lost a tooth or have developed oral health problems, we can make sure an artificial implant restores your beautiful smile. Dental implants in Normal do require a procedure to secure an artificial tooth in place. This means that it is important to read through our information and the risks involved. One of our dentistry professionals will also explain treatment with you at a consultation.

It’s important to realize there are different types of dental implants. An experienced dentist will be able to advise you what the best option is for you. We have the latest technology to ensure that you’re always happy with the choice. For example, we use computer-guided surgery for precision and accuracy. You can expect the best patient care and results when you choose our surgery.

 After the restorations have been placed, they will look and feel great, as well as allow normal and natural smiling, chewing and speaking. You can expect further exams every few months to check the implant and restoration, ensuring you’re happy with them. If you would like to find out more about dental implants in Norman, you can contact Smile Solutions today and speak to a member of our team.