What if we tell you that with time, your lost tooth will become a permanent problem for you? Yes, you heard it right! A lost tooth is a significant concern and a dental implant is the only solution you must seek. Many successful stories are there about before and after dental implant surgery because the solution works.
At first, losing a tooth doesn’t seem like a big deal and you may start living with it. The position of the lost tooth also determines if a person would opt for dental implants. We will get deep into dental implants and their journey.
What is a Dental Implant?
To put it in a simple way, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically fixed into your jawbone as a replacement. With time, the implant fuses well with other teeth and becomes a part of your mouth. Made of titanium, an anchor-like structure fits into your jawbone, and a crown is fixed on the top of the anchor, which looks exactly like a tooth.
There are majorly 3 types of dental implants:
- Endosteal Implants
- Subperiosteal Implants
- Zygomatic Implants
Why Dental Implant is the Best Solution for Your Missing Tooth?
Most people don’t think much if they lose a tooth, precisely when it is in the back of the mouth. Unless it becomes an issue with their appearance, people mostly ignore it. However, missing a tooth is not just about losing a perfect smile; it can hamper life in several ways.
Studies have shown that many people find it hard to chew food and start altering their dietary preferences. Others start witnessing the shift in their jawbone, which also becomes visible in their appearance. Some people even find speaking difficult and lose their ability to pronounce many words.
However, to briefly explain why dental implants are the best solution for your missing tooth. Here are the reasons:
- Natural appearance tooth
- A long-term solution
- Preserves your jawbone
- Easiest surgical process
- Prevents your face from changing shape
- Restore your speech
- Doesn’t get cavities
- Easy to maintain
If you have already decided about dental implants and are looking for a dentist in Scarborough, the next thing you need to know is before and after dental implants.
Before Dental Implants
The journey before dental implants is indeed stressful, but you must prepare yourself. Dental implants are painless and cause little discomfort during the process.
Here is a concise guide on preparation before dental implants, which will ease the entire process for you.
Diagnosis
The first thing you need to do is to visit a dentist for your diagnosis. The dentist will determine the condition of your tooth and if you need one or multiple implants. The diagnosis will also include X-rays to better understand the nerves surrounding the teeth, gums, and sinuses.
Medical History
Your dentist will ask for your medical history as the tiniest detail about your health matters, even for a minor surgery. If you have any disease that is a significant concern, share it with your dentist. Under certain medical conditions and underlying medical issues, the surgery can’t be performed.
Costing
After discussing your surgery, dental implant cost is the next and most crucial factor to examine. Generally, on average, a single dental implant costs CAD 1500 to CAD 6000. It may vary depending on certain factors like the dentist, the complexity of the surgery, any other surgeries regarding the dental implants, and others.
Insurance
Dental implant surgery is expensive, and insurance can help you save a lot of money. Ask your dentist and organization if your medical insurance covers dental implant surgery.
During The Dental Implants Surgery
Though an easy process, there are certain things that you must be aware of during dental implant surgery. Here is your guide to know of those specific things:
Anesthesia
Obviously!! The dentist will give you local or general anesthesia before starting the process. It will make sure that your area of surgery is numb and you do not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the surgery.
Incision
The procedure starts with an incision, where the dentist will cut out the parts of your gums to place the implant. This is done to reach the tooth socket of the missing tooth.
Drilling
Then comes the drilling part. The dentist will drill into your bone where the metal implant has to be placed. After the implant is placed successfully, the incision part will be stitched up. The dentist will give you 3 to 6 months for healing.
Second procedure
After you have healed enough, the second procedure will take place. The dentist will make a new cut where the implant is placed to fix a healing cap to ensure the gum around the implant also heals. In a few weeks, the healing cap is taken out.
Abutment
After removing the healing cap, another minor procedure is done to attach the abutment to the implant. It connects the implants to the crown and is done to ensure that your crown will fix and become a part of your teeth.
Crown
You are finally at the last step. After a few weeks and after your healing process of abutment, your crown will be placed. The dentist makes the crown match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size.
After Dental Implants
Now comes the most crucial part of your surgery after dental implants. It is to ensure that your implants heal and are not causing you any discomfort.
Here is the guide on what you need to do after dental implants:
Bleeding
There can be a slight bleeding post-surgery. Change the gauze every 30 to 40 minutes and bite firmly on it to make it work. If the bleeding doesn’t stop and is getting excessive, rush to your dentist ASAP!
Swelling
Swelling is also common post-surgery and usually lasts 2 to 3 days. Ice packs on the surgery from the outside will help reduce it. Only do a little movement if you want to heal early.
Pain
Pain is common as well, and you will feel it as soon as the anesthesia wears off. You can take the medicine prescribed by your dentist. If the pain doesn’t go away and there is discomfort in your tooth or you feel the size is inaccurate, visit your doctor immediately.
Nausea
Not all, but many patients do feel nauseated after surgery and as an aftereffect of the sedation given to them. This will go away in a while, and you can take water sips to make it go away. Also, the pain medication shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach.
Diet
Your dentist will advise you not to take solid food for 24 or 48 hours to avoid damaging the tooth. It would help to rely on a liquid and soft diet for a few days. You can slowly start the solid food intake, which will also depend on the tolerance level of pain and swelling. You may be asked to quit smoking for a certain period of time.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene will be your resort to ensure you don’t take another dentist round for another surgery. It will help you better if you incorporate it into your daily life. On the day of the surgery, you can start rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. If your dentist has prescribed any mouthwash, it is better to go with it. After 2-3 days, you can begin brushing your teeth slowly. Be extra cautious of the area of the surgery.
Follow Up
Even though you feel you have healed completely, you must visit your dentist for a follow-up. The dentist will give you tips on do’s and don’ts and check if any last thing is required, like shaping the tooth further if it is causing discomfort. 2 to 3 rounds of dentist will be enough to ensure you are done with the surgery.
Finishing Up
Dental implant surgery may sound scary, but it is way less frightening to the aftereffects of your tooth if you choose to ignore it. It is not only about your looks but plays a more critical role that we have discussed here. Living with a missing tooth shouldn’t be an option.
BK Dental must be your first choice when looking for a dentist in Scarborough for dental implant surgery. The clinic has experts to treat dental issues and will ensure you receive the best dental care.
Take a consultation today!!
