Many people suffer from teeth loss due to dental problems like tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. Earlier, the only dental treatment options available for missing teeth were dentures and bridges, but thanks to modern dentistry, dental implant surgery is now a viable option.
Dental implant surgery involves replacing damaged teeth roots with metal screw-like posts and replacing the damaged teeth with new artificial ones that function like natural ones. The surgery is an ideal alternative to bridgework or dentures, especially when the natural roots of the teeth do not allow building denture replacements.
What happens during dental implant surgery?
The first step of the procedure involves developing an individualized treatment plan. The plan is prepared by an experienced dentist in restorative dentistry, addressing your unique dental needs. That is why you should find an established dentist in your local suburbs for down-to-earth dental implant advice so that you know what to expect during the procedure.
The tooth implant made of titanium is screwed into the missing tooth’s bone socket. The jawbone then heals with the implant, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process takes 6-12weeks. After that, the dentist makes an impression of a new tooth that is then attached to the implant’s abutment. Since the implant is secured in the jawbone, the replacement tooth feels and functions similarly to your natural teeth.
Risks
Just like most other surgeries, dental implants pose some health risks. However, they are rare and can be successfully treated. They include:
- Damage to the surrounding structures such as blood vessels or other teeth.
- Infection at the implant spot.
- Nerve damage which can lead to a tingling sensation, pain, or numbness of the gums, natural teeth, lips, or chin.
- Sinus problems, for instance, dental implants placed in the upper jaw can protrude in one of the sinus cavities.
Side effects
You may experience a few immediate side effects, but they go away as you heal. They include:
- Swelling of the gums that may stay up to 48hours.
- Pain and discomfort that lasts no more than 2weeks.
- Bruised gums and skin, which lasts for a few days.
- Minor bleeding that lasts for around 24hours.
In most cases, a dentist will prescribe pain and inflammation medication to deal with the swelling and discomfort. If the side effects do not go away as fast as they should, it could be an indicator of an infection, and you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Complications
Some complications may occur after your dental implant surgery, and you need to see a dentist quickly if that happens. They include:
- Dental implant failure- this means that you have to undergo the procedure again.
- The bone fails to connect to the implant; therefore, it feels loose or leads to other problems.
- Implant fracture which can occur if the implant is placed incorrectly or undue pressure occurs on the implant.
To avoid these complications, you should be more willing and ready to share your medical history with the dentist. Also, be prepared to ask a dentist a lot of questions to be fully prepared for the procedure and know what to expect. Do your part to help minimize the complications of dental implant surgery.