Dental Implants: Types, Treatments and Recovery Guide
As we age, certain things begin to break down and deteriorate. This is especially true of our teeth—the primary chewing and biting structures of the human body. As we continue to get older, our teeth become weaker and more prone to fracture or break.
A broken tooth can lead to complications such as infection, jawbone loss, and even the need for dentures or other oral prosthetics. Fortunately, several dental implant procedures are available to help restore your smile and prevent any further deterioration of your oral health.
This article will cover everything you need to know about dental implants, the types, treatments, and the recovery guide if you’re looking for a long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth that a surgeon surgically places in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for artificial teeth. They can support a dental bridge, a complete set of dentures, or a single tooth.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great solution when you lose teeth due to an accident or illness. There are various dental implant types. The most common varieties are:
- Screw-Type: Two tiny screws, which screw into holes drilled in the jawbone, secure the screw-type implant to the jawbone. This type is available as either single-tooth (left) or multiple-tooth (right). With each bite, the screw moves closer to the implant, securing it more firmly into place.
- Bridge-Type: The bridge-type implant, which replaces one or more missing teeth on either side of your mouth, is held in place by two posts that rest on the bone beneath your gum line and the gum tissue. These posts can be made of metal, composite, ceramic, or another material. Once they’re in place, they stay there until you decide you want them out.
- Anchor-Type: The anchor-type implant replaces one or more missing teeth on either side of your mouth and is secured with two posts resting on your gum line and anchored into your jawbone by tiny anchors that sit under your jawbone gums and attach to your implant posts. These anchors can
Treatments of Dental Implants
There are a few different options available when it comes to the treatment of dental implants.
- The first option is to remove the implant and any surrounding tissue that may be infected. This option often ensures the complete removal of the infection. However, it is also the most invasive option and may not be suitable for everyone.
- The second option is to treat the implant with antibiotics. This can be effective in some cases but is often not as effective as simply removing the implant. It is also crucial to understand that treating an implant with antibiotics can increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
- The third option is to leave the implant in place and treat the infection. In some cases, the infection may still spread, and removing the implant might still be necessary, making this the least effective option.
Ultimately, the best option for treating dental implants will vary on a case-by-case basis. Your dentist can advise you on your situation’s best course of action.
Recovery Guide
Dental implants are among the most widely used and successful methods to replace missing teeth. Here’s a quick guide to understanding what to expect when you have an implant in your mouth.
- Immediately after your surgery, you’ll likely feel pain and swelling. This is typical, and medication can help you manage it. A few days should pass before the bruising around your gums disappears.
- You’ll need to rest for a few days following your surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and mouth rinsing. You should also avoid drinking through a straw.
- Within a week, you should be feeling much better. Your ability to eat and drink normally should return once the discomfort and swelling have subsided. However, the implant site will still need to be cared for. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for routine checkups and brush and floss your teeth.
Conclusion
Dental implants are an essential treatment option for missing teeth. They can provide a new set of teeth that look and feel like natural ones. Dental implants may be permanent if they are properly maintained. If you’re considering getting dental implants, consult your dentist to learn more about your options and the best type of implant.
