What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most in-demand dental services today. If you have a missing tooth, you may have considered getting dental implants as a solution. Let’s explore what exactly dental implants are and what the process of getting them is like. Here’s what you need to know.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for a person’s missing teeth. A dental professional places the implants under the gum line into the patient’s jawbone and over the next few months after the surgery, the implant will start to join with the bone. Because the implant becomes integrated with the bone, it’s very stable and mimics natural teeth very well.

There are three main parts to a dental implant: the crown, the abutment, and the implant body. The implant body is the part that goes into the jawbone while the abutment attaches to the implant body and comes out through the gums to hold the crown.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are an investment in the long-term health, functionality, and appearance of your teeth. If you follow the right dental care routine and go to regular dental checkups at your local dental clinic, the implants should last for the rest of your life. The crowns may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years but that’s a much simpler procedure and not much of a concern.

What is the Dental Implant Surgery Process?

Because dental implants require surgery, the process has several steps. First, you’ll need to go to your dental clinic for a complete dental exam. Your dentist may make molds of your mouth and take x-rays as part of the exam. This step is important to make sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants.

From there, you and your dental care providers will work together to develop a treatment plan. If you’re missing multiple teeth and need multiple implants, this will affect the preparation and surgery process. You may also need to have a damaged tooth extracted. Your dentist will go over the key details of the dental implant surgery with you and schedule your procedure.

On the day of the dental implant procedure, you will typically receive a local anesthetic. Make sure to have someone else available to take you home afterward. Healing of your jaw and tissues will take anywhere from six to twelve weeks. If you experience discomfort during that period, over-the-counter painkillers can help. Your dental care provider will provide more information on the aftercare steps you should take. You should discuss any signs of infection or prolonged sharp pains in the area with your dentists.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Procedure Today

If you’re looking for dental implants in Chippewa Falls, there’s no better place to go than Winn Family Dentistry. At our Chippewa Falls dental center, we provide high-quality dental implant services and other dental services. We’ve helped lots of patients just like you so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to make an appointment.