Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Losing even just a single tooth can negatively impact your oral health and morale. In some cases, tooth loss leads to emotional stress and depression. That is why dental implants in Clyde, NC, are so popular. So, what exactly are dental implants?

A dental implant procedure is a tooth replacement surgery done by replacing tooth roots with artificial ones. They are usually made of metal, screwlike posts surgically attached to the jawbone underneath the gums. Once set up, the dental implants simulate the function of a natural tooth without affecting the surrounding teeth. Dental implants are durable and offer a high success rate of up to 98 percent.  

Understanding Dental Implants

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Since dental implants are incorporated into a patient’s jawbone, they serve as reliable support for artificial teeth. Dental implants do not cause dentures and bridges to slip or shift in your mouth because their secure fit helps dentures and bridges, and even those individual crowns placed over implants feel more natural than those conventional ones.  

Who Can Undertake Dental Implant Surgery?

Any healthy individual can get a dental implant; however, patients should:

• Have a missing tooth or teeth
• Have healthy gums and jawbone
• Have good oral hygiene  
• Have no existing health conditions that can affect bone healing

What Are the Two Types of Dental Implants?

According to American Dental Association, there are two commonly known dental implants: the endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.

• Endosteal implants (in the bone) – Screwlike posts are surgically placed directly inside the jawbone. After the surrounding gum tissues have healed, another surgery is conducted to connect a post to the original implant. After which, the dentist attaches an artificial tooth.
• Subperiosteal implants (on the bone) – This dental implant consists of a metal frame below the gum tissue. When the gum heals, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone.  

What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant?

• Firstly, consult your dentist to check if you are qualified for the surgery. Your dentist will examine what type of dental implant you need and assess the condition of your jawbone.
• Once approved, your dentist will decide the type of implant and anesthesia you need for the surgery.
• If you undergo an endosteal implant, your dentist will cut open your gum to expose the jawbone underneath. After, your dentist will drill a hole into the jawbone where the implant will be inserted.
• However, your dentist will not drill a hole into your jawbone when undergoing a subperiosteal implant since the implant post will only be placed on or above the jawbone.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Dental Implants?

Some of the notable advantages of dental implants include:

• Improves the mouth’s cosmetic appearance  

• Makes the eating experience a lot easier and better
• Eliminates the fear of losing the implant since it’s permanent compared to dentures
• Improves speech
• Promotes improved oral health
• Could last a lifetime
• Increases self-confidence and morale

On the other note, dental implants can also impose risks which include the following:

• Can cause oral bleeding disorders
• Allow infections called peri-implantitis, which is equivalent to periodontitis in natural teeth
• May lead to fracture of dental implant
• May cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and teeth
• Can potentially cause poor bone quality
  

Did You Know That Cataloochee Dental Group Offer Dental Implants in Clyde, NC?

Yes, you heard it right! We offer dental implant surgery using cutting-edge technologies in orthodontics. We are in four different locations in North Carolina. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!