Are you planning on getting dental implants and want to know more about what to expect? Here is the complete guide to dental implants.

Around 26% of adults above the age of 65 have 8 or fewer teeth. Fortunately, these individuals have options for replacing these teeth.

They might get dental bridges. They might wear dentures. The only permanent option, however, is dental implanting. 



Looking to learn more about dental implants and related dental care? Then read on. Here's the complete guide to dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants?

There are several different tooth replacement options. These include bridges and dentures, both of which are temporary solutions.

When it comes to a permanent tooth replacement solution, however, the dental implant is the only option. A dental implant consists of a metal rod that's implanted into the jawbone. Once bone grows around the rod, it's secured in place, after which it serves as a tooth root. 

After the rod is in place, an abutment is set on top of it. This serves as an anchor for a synthetic tooth. The rod and abutment both last for an exceedingly long time; whereas the rod will typically last for the rest of the patient's life, the abutment will last for several decades. 

And then there's the synthetic tooth. This is made out of a tough and durable material. It both resembles and performs like a legitimate tooth. 

The synthetic tooth doesn't last as long as the rod and the abutment. However, it still thrives for upwards of a decade. 

There are numerous benefits to dental implants, including the following:

They Don't Need to Be Taken Out

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they don't need to be taken out. In fact, you couldn't take them out if you tried (though a dentist could for you). 

You can chew with them, brush them like authentic teeth, and more or less forget that they're any different from the rest of your teeth. Once the implantation process has been completed, they behave just like normal teeth. 

This differs from, for example, dentures, which oftentimes need to be taken out and cleaned. 

They're Permanent

As discussed above, dental implants are, more or less, permanent. Their rod components, at the very least, will last throughout the entirety of the patient's life. 

There's no other tooth replacement option that offers this. Bridges and dentures tend to give in within 10 years, in fact. 

They Prevent Jawbone From Disappearing

When teeth are lost, the areas of jawbone that were containing them tend to disappear. They lose bone slowly but gradually until, eventually, noticeable portions of jawbone are missing. 

Fortunately, you can stop this from happening by replacing the lost teeth with dental implants. The rod from the implant will stimulate the jawbone around it, inducing further growth. 

The Look (and Behave) Like They're Real

While bridges and dentures have a passing resemblance to authentic teeth, if you look at them closely, you can tell they're not quite real. This isn't true of dental implants. Dental implants both look and behave like they're real. 

This is because they're literally implanted into the jawbone. As such, they sit flush up against the gums just like all of the other teeth in one's mouth. 

The Dental Implant Process

We've discussed what dental implants are. We've talked about the benefits of dental implants. Now, let's explain the dental implant process.

Initial Evaluation

First, you'll schedule an appointment with your dentist so that they can evaluate the state of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. The key here is to ensure that you, the patient, have enough jawbone to support a dental implant. If you don't have enough jawbone for an implant, you have two options: 1. undergo bone grafts, or 2. choose a different tooth replacement option. 

Note that it's also necessary for your gums to be free of periodontal disease. Your dentist will check them extensively to ensure that they are. If they aren't, you'll need further dental treatment before you can have your synthetic teeth implanted. 

At your evaluation, you'll have ample opportunity to ask questions about the dental implant process. Your dentist will be sure to provide you with a variety of proactive information about the process as well. 

Implant Placement 

If you're deemed sufficient for a dental implant, you'll meet your dentist for another appointment. At this appointment, the metal rod (or implant) will be placed. 

To place the rod, your dentist will first cut an incision in the gums that sits above the affected area. They'll then drill deep down into the jawbone so that there's area for the implant to sit. 

Note that throughout this procedure, you'll be under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and maybe even sedation. So, you won't feel any pain while the procedure is going on. 

Bone Growth

Once the implant has been placed, it will take 2 to 6 months for jawbone to grow around it sufficiently. This is necessary to ensure that the implant remains firmly in place. 

Throughout this time, you may see your dentist for the occasional checkup. However, by and large, the responsibility is on you to make sure that the implant doesn't loosen up. You can avoid this by refraining from eating hard foods and by not grinding your teeth. 

Abutment Placement

An abutment has to be placed as well. This will occur either at the same appointment as the implant placement or at an appointment just a few weeks later. The abutment not only helps to keep the implant in place but also ensures that gum tissue grows correctly. 

Tooth Placement

Finally, after the bone has sufficiently grown around the implant and abutment, your dentist will place the synthetic tooth on top of them. This is cemented onto the abutment, holding it in place for years to come. 

To ensure that your synthetic tooth fits with your other teeth, your dentist will take impressions of them before the manufacture of the synthetic tooth.

That's the Complete Guide to Dental Implants

And there it is, the complete guide to dental implants. As you can see, while the dental implant process can be intensive, it can also be well worth the time and effort.

Interested in getting dental implants and other associated dental services? Looking for a local dentist in South Philadelphia PA? If so, we here at The Tabas Center For Advanced Dentistry are the ones to see. 



Contact us now to schedule an appointment!