If you have lost a tooth as a result of an injury, gum disease, or any other reason, you might be wondering how you can improve your self-esteem and the look of your smile. Fortunately, dental implants have been helping patients regain the look of a full smile for years.
A dental implant is simply an artificial root that is placed into your jaw. This root holds a replacement tooth or bridge work.
There are two different types of dental implants:
- Endosteal – This type is most commonly used and involves the root being placed directly into the jaw.
- Subperiosteal – This type is for patients who cannot receive implants in the jaw for some reason (such as minimal bone height). The implant is placed on top of the jaw and is held on by metal posts that go through the gums.
Park Place Dentistry’s professional
team can help you to learn more about dental implants in Orange County.
What is the procedure like?
To get a dental implant, you should be in good general oral health. For example, you should be free of gum disease and have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. Generally, most patients are candidates for dental implants. You should still make sure your dentist knows if you suffer from any conditions, like lupus, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and arthritis. These conditions won’t disqualify you from getting an implant, but it’s something your dentist will need to consider. Things like current treatment for cancer or immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplants may mean that you should wait on the implant. If you are a smoker, or if you abuse alcohol or drugs, then the implant may not work as intended.
In general, talking to your dentist about your health and our dental implants in Orange County will help to determine whether or not you are a candidate.
What is the procedure like?
Your exact dental implant procedure will depend on the kind of implants you are receiving and the amount of teeth that need implants. Your dentist will work with you to determine your treatment plan and tell you what you can expect from the procedure.
In general, you can expect your dental implants in Orange County to start with a surgical placement of the implant into your jawbone. In some cases, the replacement tooth will be placed with the implant in the same visit. In other cases, the implant will need to heal first, which involves the growth of your jawbone around the implant to make it secure. You may need to stick to soft foods during the healing process. Your replacement tooth, a crown, is customized for you and is made to fit your mouth.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After you receive your dental implants in Orange County, you can expect mild amounts of soreness. Most patients report feeling very minor discomfort following the procedure. You will need to wait for any local anesthesia to wear off and then simply begin enjoying your dental implants.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort following your dental implants, talk to your dentist. She might be able to recommend pain relief medication that will be able to help.
How do I care for dental implants?
Even though your dental implants in Orange County cannot get cavities, they will still experience the same wear and tear as natural teeth. In order to make them last, you need to take good care of them.
You should care for dental implants in the same way that you do your regular teeth. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and keep up with regular dental cleanings and visits with your dentist. Sometimes, your dentist might recommend that you use additional cleaning solutions or methods at home, but typically, the regular cleaning that you normally do will suffice.