5 Important Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

Posted on: 6 May 2021

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A dental implant is the most effective way of replacing a missing tooth. The dentist will surgically place titanium metal posts in your jawbone to act as artificial roots. A dental crown is then carefully placed on the implants, giving you new teeth that look as natural as the real ones. Before opting for this surgical procedure, you need to gather information about it, which is essential in abating the fear and anxiety that you might be having.

Here are five things you should know about dental implants:

1. Anyone Can Get Dental Implants

You can go for the procedure as long as you are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery. The qualifications for dental implants include:

  •  Having one or more missing teeth
  •  Having an adequate bone to hold the implants
  •  Having adequate and healthy jaw tissues
  •  Not having an existing medical condition that may affect bone healing

2. It Is a Safe Procedure

If you didn't know, the first titanium dental implant was placed in 1965. Since then, the procedure has gained overwhelming popularity globally since it is highly safe. The titanium screws used during dental implant surgery are biocompatible and are readily accepted by the body. Once the operation is complete, the implant is successfully locked into your natural bones, making the screws firm and durable. 

3. Dental Implants Are Painless

Dentists note that a normal tooth extraction procedure is more painful than a dental implant. With the local or general procedure, you are guaranteed a painless operation. Even after the numbness wears off, you will only experience mild pain that disappears within a few hours. Throughout the healing process, you also don't experience any discomfort. 

4. Dental Implant Surgery Is Fast

The time taken to place the dental implants varies based on the following factors:

  • The number of missing teeth.
  • The technique used by your dentist.
  • The location of the missing tooth.

However, the procedure is fast.

5. Dental Implants Take Time to Heal

Once the metal implant has been placed in your jawbone, the process of osseointegration begins, whereby the jawbone unites with the implant. The process is long and may take up to several months to heal. It may, however, take longer based on your body's immune response to the metal screws, your overall oral hygiene, and the techniques used by your dentist during the surgery.

Conclusion

Since the 1960s, millions of people have used dental implants to replace missing teeth. So far, it might be your perfect solution to teeth loss. Please visit your dentist to gain more insights into the procedure and how it might benefit you.