Being a popular choice prescribed by most dental surgeons, tooth implants may be the most comfortable option, given their effectiveness and long-term benefits, for your dental care needs. But are tooth implants safe? This question might have been on your mind recently, especially if you’re considering other dental care options and weighing the pros and cons of getting a tooth implant. This article will discuss how a tooth implant works and why it might be an ideal investment for your dental care.
What Is A Tooth Implant?
Tooth implants are generally the solution when you have a broken tooth or are infected with cavities. It is done by placing an artificial tooth in place of the damaged one using metal studs to hold the tooth in place. These natural-looking teeth help you eat and chew normally without pain or uneasiness.
A tooth implant consists of small threaded posts which serve as the missing roots for your damaged tooth and keep the artificial crown in place. Most tooth implants are made of titanium or ceramic. Though the process of a tooth implant is fast and effective, your jaws may take up to several months to heal.
Why Do You Need A Tooth Implant?
You may get tooth implants for various reasons, the most common being to hide your broken teeth or treat your cavities. Tooth implants have become the most common recommendation of doctors nowadays due to the following reasons:
- Tooth implants are the most natural-looking artificial teeth for your jaws and blend in quickly. It enhances your overall facial expression and makes your smile more beautiful.
- As they are tightly secured in your jawbone, they provide stability while chewing and speaking and become more comfortable.
- Tooth implants function like natural teeth, enabling better pronunciation and speech without the fear of slurred words or mumbling.
- It helps improve your tooth alignment, keeps your dental structure safe, and protects it from getting unaligned.
- They are a durable, long-term solution for your dental health if properly cared for.
- They need no extra maintenance apart from regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning, which are a part of our daily oral hygiene.
However, it should be noted that while dental implants may offer a variety of advantages, they may not be the best solution for everyone. You must first check with your doctor to determine that your jawbones are healthy enough to undergo tooth implant surgery. Consulting an expert will help you learn more about your dental health and explore numerous dental care choices to make the best decision for your teeth.
Are Tooth Implants Safe?
Yes, tooth implants can be generally considered a safe and effective treatment for missing teeth. They are the best alternative to natural teeth, with a higher success rate and durability.
While the procedure is safe, the doctors and the team performing the tooth implant surgery directly impact the results and complications involved in the procedure. Some potential risks in an implant surgery may include infections, injury or damage to other teeth or blood vessels, or nerve damage, which may often lead to pain or numbness in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin, and sinus problems.
But these symptoms can be easily avoided by attending an experienced dentist who has higher success rates and feels comfortable with you. As an after-effect of the surgery, there may be some swelling, bruising, pain, or minor bleeding in some cases. But these are just typical symptoms that are temporary and can heal with proper care and medication.
How Long Does A Tooth Implant Take?
There is no one answer to how long does a tooth implant take. It depends on your unique jaw conditions and can differ from patient to patient. But, in general, tooth implant surgery can be done in a short period of 15-30 minutes. It includes securing the metal screws into your jawbone and finishing up with the stitches.
But if you talk about the whole procedure, including the healing, the process may take longer, around 6-9 months, depending on your jaw condition. After the jaw is fully healed, the final crown is fixed. The surgeon may provide medications and delay the procedure in case of infections.
Process Of Getting tooth implants
The process of getting a tooth implant begins with a comprehensive dental examination. Before committing to a tooth implant, you must consult a doctor and get your dental conditions evaluated. The surgeon will lead x-rays and 3d images to prescribe the best suitable dental choice. After taking care of your medical history and proper medications, if the doctor agrees, you can start preparing for tooth implant surgery.
On the scheduled appointment, the doctor will begin the process under the influence of local anesthesia to eliminate any pain and discomfort. Your dentist will then make an incision in your gums where the surgery will be done. It exposes the bone underneath where the dentist will perform the surgery using specific dental equipment to create an opening in your jawbone big enough to fit the new artificial tooth and carefully place it into your jaws where the widening has been done. Finally, the surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.
How Long Do Tooth Implants Last?
Tooth implants are currently the most long-lasting teeth replacement available. Though the duration of tooth implants varies from person to person, tooth implantation still has the potential to last lifelong. They are generally found to be perfectly functional for at least 20 years. It is possible if you take proper care of your teeth by regular brushing, taking good care, routine and timely check-ups, regular visits to the dentist, and also follow up and consult for your dentist’s advice.
Conclusion
Your answers to how long does a tooth implant take or how long does a tooth implant last must have been answered through the article. Tooth implants, the new common procedure, provides effective and long-lasting solutions for broken or infected teeth. Tooth implants can bring back your confident smile and motivating spirit through a carefully planned process involving implant placement, abutment attachment, and dental crown placement.
FAQs
1. How Painful Is the Tooth Implant Procedure?
Tooth implants can be a complex procedure that requires more time to heal. However, except for a few minor discomforts like some soreness in your jaws., the procedure goes extremely easily with the use of local anesthesia. However, the expertise of the doctor you choose may impact the procedure.
2. What Are The Cons Of Tooth implants?
While there are various benefits of getting dental, there are also a few reasons you may not. Some of them would include:
- They are not permanent.
- Tooth implants are also prone to infections and gum diseases.
- Expensive investment
- They tend to loosen up in many cases requiring you to make a few extra trips to your dentist.
3. Do Tooth implants Feel Like Real Teeth?
Regarding appearance, yes, tooth implants feel like real teeth. They tightly fit your jaw and help you maintain balance. But in terms of sensitivity, it doesn’t feel the same as it is an artificial addition to your jaws, and it may take a little time to get the hang of it.