235 St. John Road, Suite 110, Fletcher, NC 28732
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an amazing solution for replacing a missing tooth, multiple teeth, or helping to hold a denture more securely. Today’s technology has advanced to allow 3D images of your jaw to assess the bone levels and proximity of nerves. Fletcher Family Dentistry will work closely with the Oral Surgeon who places the implant(s) so your specific needs are addressed and well-planned in advance of beginning treatment.
Recovering from dental implant surgery
The healing process has started and how long it takes depends on the quality and quantity of a person's bones. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately after they are placed, and the surgeon will give instructions for follow-up care and timing. After the initial healing, there will be a short follow-up appointment where the surgeon will attach an abutment or healing cap to the dental implant. This helps the gum tissue mature and allows access to the implant.
To make sure the crown is ready in advance, impressions may be taken during the implant placement process to allow enough time for complete healing. The healing time for your mouth may vary depending on different factors. Usually, one to four follow-up appointments will be needed to check the healing progress and determine when the restorative phase of treatment can begin.
A soft tissue graft can have several benefits in getting gum tissue around the implant, resulting in stronger, easier-to-clean, and more aesthetically pleasing gum tissue. This involves transferring a small portion of gum tissue from one part of the mouth to the implant site, which is usually a quick and relatively painless process.
Whether you are replacing one tooth or multiple teeth, your dentist will make sure that the replacement tooth (crown) fits properly on the dental implant.
When are dental implants inserted?
Implants are usually placed a few months after tooth extraction, but in some cases, they can be placed immediately after extraction, although this carries a slightly higher risk. Immediate implant placement has the advantage of simplifying the process and eliminating the need for an extra appointment. However, if there are concerns about infection or bone complications, immediate implant placement is not recommended.
When a tooth is missing for a long time, the surrounding bone that provides support tends to decrease and become thinner. This is because the bone relies on the natural tooth's root to stimulate its growth. Within a year after tooth extraction, about one third of the jaw's thickness can be lost. If there is insufficient bone, a bone graft procedure may be necessary in the affected area. This ensures that the implant will have enough support when it is placed in the jaw.
How Many Implants Do I Need?
In most cases, one implant is utilized to replace each tooth that is missing. Nevertheless, when it comes to larger teeth located at the back of the mouth, which have multiple roots, it is customary to employ bigger implants for the purpose of replacing missing back teeth.