Dental Implants in Foley, AL
Dental implants are an example of some of the most cutting-edge technology that the field of dentistry has achieved in just a few short years. Tooth, bone, and jaw diseases are a thing of the past, as there are multiple solutions for every situation, including replacing missing teeth – regardless of the number and condition that they are in.
The expert team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL is proud to serve the local community with effective dental implant solutions that help to restore a happy and healthy smile to everyone.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots and posts that are used to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are usually made of titanium and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once in place, the implant can be used to support a single tooth, a dental bridge, or even a full set of dentures. Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth because they are strong, stable, and look and feel like natural teeth. In addition, they can help to preserve the jawbone and prevent further tooth loss.
Dental implants are a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay. They can help restore the function and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
What is the Procedure for Installing Dental Implants?
The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps. First, your dentist will carefully evaluate your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. This will involve taking x-rays and impressions of your teeth and jawbone to plan the placement of the implants. Dental implants are extremely versatile and can be placed in any different environment, provided that the area is properly cleaned at first.
Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is the surgical placement of the implants. This is typically done under local anesthesia, although sedation may be used if necessary, depending on the procedure or the anxiety of the patient. During the surgery, small incisions will be made in the gums, and the implants will be placed into the jawbone. Over the next several months, the implants will fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration.
Once the implants have fully intertwined with the jawbone, your dentist will attach a small metal post, called an abutment, to the top of each implant. This will serve as the attachment point for the replacement tooth or teeth. The final step in the dental implant process is the placement of the replacement tooth or teeth. This can be done using a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. The replacement tooth or teeth will be custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring that they look and feel natural.
What are The Different Types of Dental Implants?
There are several different types of dental implants available, each designed to meet the specific needs of individual patients. The team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL has provided the following list of the most common Dental Implants for your benefit:
Endosteal Implants
These are the most commonly used type of dental implants. They are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone, and once they have healed, a second surgery is performed to attach the artificial tooth or teeth.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants (under the gum) are used for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbones to support endosteal implants. Instead of being implanted directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue, on top of the jawbone.
Mini Implants
Mini-implants are small, cylindrical implants that are used to support small replacement teeth, such as those used in dentures. They are less invasive than other types of implants and can be placed in a single surgical procedure. Typically, they function much like endosteal implants but are used in cases where the damage isn’t as severe.
Zygomatic Implants
These are used in cases where the patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support traditional implants. Zygomatic implants are longer than other types of implants and are anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. They are used in similar cases as subperiosteal implants, but the dentist may prescribe these in the case that your cheekbone has more of a cushion than your jawbone.
All-on-4 Implants
This is a specialized type of implant that is used to support a full set of dentures. Four implants are placed in the jawbone, and the dentures are attached to them, providing a stable and secure fit.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Getting dental implants is ultimately a surgical procedure, so some degree of discomfort is to be expected. However, the level of pain and distress that you experience will depend on several factors, including your pain tolerance, the number of implants being placed, and the condition of your mouth. The professionals at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL have undergone many similar procedures for their clients, and take every available measure to ensure not only a successful operation but also their comfort.
In general, the placement of dental implants is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the implants. This will help to minimize any pain during the surgery. Most patients report that the placement of dental implants is no more painful than having a tooth extracted. Of course, every patient is taken on a case-by-case basis. If more anesthesia or other forms of sedation are required to reduce the anxiety, discomfort, or length of the operation, it will be explored as an option.
After the surgery, you may experience some mild aching, swelling, and bruising in the area around the implants. Your dentist will provide you with pain medication and other post-surgical instructions to help you manage any discomfort. In addition to the prescribed medication and aftercare routine, your dentist will also answer any questions that you may have, including using over-the-counter medication and its effectiveness.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully after the surgery to ensure that the implants heal properly. This will help the recovery process and ensure that your implants function and look their best. Once you are able, your oral hygiene must continue as normal, or even to a higher degree. Ensuring that your mouth is clean and sanitized as often as possible will let the implant fully integrate and repair structural integrity, giving you the confidence you need to enjoy a wider range of culinary experiences.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
While reading through the procedure, you may notice that a recurring theme of permanence has come up when it comes to dental implants. Not only are they a long-term solution, but the team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL has also provided the following three critical benefits about how dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life.
Increases Oral Function
Dental implants are designed to be strong and stable, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Unlike dentures, which can slip and shift in the mouth, dental implants are securely anchored in place, providing a natural feeling of replacement for missing teeth. Furthermore, they can be used together with other solutions to make them a more viable option. For example, if you need dentures, all-on-4 dental implants help to support the structural integrity of the mouth and to keep the dentures in place.
Improves Discoloration
Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring that they blend seamlessly with your smile. Of course, implants can be made of many different types of material, so you can choose the aesthetic that closely resembles your desired appearance. Of course, it is always best to consult with an experienced team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL to make sure you are making a fully informed choice.
Prevents Deterioration
Dental Implants stay fixed, unlike many other solutions. Implants also help to stimulate and integrate with the bone, which, over time, could help to regenerate any lost bone tissue in the body for certain circumstances. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced every 5-10 years, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution.
Your Local Quality Dentist
Overall, dental implants offer a wide range of benefits for patients who are missing one or more teeth. They can help to improve the function, appearance, and health of your mouth, allowing you to enjoy all of your favorite foods and activities without discomfort or embarrassment. During your appointment with the knowledgeable team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and guidance that you and your family deserve.
