What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts or frames surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Post insertion, they work as a tooth root once in place and allows to mount replacement teeth onto them to ensure the appearance of a natural tooth.
Dental Implants not only look and feel like your natural teeth but also function. They are easily the most popular and ideal solution for replacing missing tooth/teeth.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are required in case of missing teeth, when one cannot or does not want to get bridges, crowns or dentures. It is essential to fill the space created by a missing tooth.
Removing/losing a tooth and doing nothing about it can potentially grow into a much larger problem as time goes on, which can lead to various consequences such as:
• Difficulty in Speech resulting from the gap created by missing teeth
• Difficulty in chewing
• Facial features might get affected as skin may start to look older and wrinkled because of sunken cheeks as gaps caused by missing teeth can weaken muscles that can't hold the lower portion of the facial structure, which includes lips & cheeks.
• Soreness in the facial muscles affecting jaw mechanics resulting in an improper bite.
• Tooth decay and gum infection because of food & plaque accumulation in the gap.
Dental Implants are no doubt the most dependable and popular solution for a missing tooth. They are suited for every individual with missing teeth irrespective of their age or gender.
Dental Implants are also known in the industry for a whopping 98% success rate which assures dental patients about their oral wellbeing.
Advantages of Dental Implants
The best part about Dental Implants is that they function just like natural teeth. They seem so realistic that most patients can't even recognise the difference between their original and the implanted tooth.
Dental Implants can last a lifetime as they are biocompatible and made from titanium which integrate with the patient's jawbone.
It is observed that Dental Implants halt bone loss by replacing the root and the tooth and ultimately restoring chewing to normal. This restoration gives the required stimulation for natural bone growth.
Dental Implants hold adjacent teeth stable by filling up the gap from a missing tooth that can cause adjacent teeth to shift crookedly. A minor bite can sometimes also lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint, ultimately resulting in pain.
Dental Implants can help in avoiding gum diseases. The gap can trap food & plaque, which can lead to gum infection.
Post-Operative Instructions For Dental Implants
You can follow the given below post-operative instructions after the Dental Implant procedure, and never hesitate in consulting us for any problem:
1) Avoid touching, spitting and rinsing the wounded area at least for a day or two since surgery.
2) Avoid touching the metal healing abutment jutting through the gum tissue with the tongue.
3) Post dental implant surgery, it's normal to have bleeding or redness around the area at least for 24 hours. To control, you can bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes.
4) Post dental implant surgery, it's normal to have swelling. To reduce the swelling, gently press and hold an ice pack on the cheek in the surgical area.
5) It is recommended to drink lots of fluids (avoid hot beverages and drinking anything using a straw).
6) Consider taking pain medication prescribed by your dentist as soon as you feel the anaesthetic effects are fading.
7) Ensure good oral hygiene. Use the prescribed oral rinse twice while – after breakfast and before bed. Rinse for at least 30 seconds, and then spit it out. You can use warm salt rinses at least 4-5 times a day as well starting from the day after the procedure.
8) Never consume tobacco products in any form after implants as it can hinder healing and increase the chances of implant failure.
9) Brush normally around your natural teeth. Gently brush the area of the implant without putting too much pressure on the healing abutment.
10) Don't use dentures or flippers immediately. Take at least two weeks before using full or half dentures since the day of surgery.
Post Implants Care
Maintain oral hygiene not just for your teeth and gums but also for overall wellbeing. You can follow the tips given below to secure your oral health:
1) It is recommended to brush twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene
2) Be careful when choosing your toothbrush. Prefer the one with a small head and medium bristles.
3) It is recommended to change your toothbrush after every three months to avoid frayed, or worn-out bristles from injuring your teeth and gums
4) Never apply too much force while brushing as it might cause abrasion.
5) Flossing at least once a day keeps plaque, bacteria, and foods struck between the teeth out and ensure implants are in good condition.
6) You can also use mouth rinses once a day after meals to maintain your oral health.
7) Avoid eating sticky foods as much as possible as such foods can invite bacteria.
Visit Dr Kumarswamy's Dental Clinic regularly to attain excellent oral hygiene and ensure your implants last for life.
Give us a call today: +91 99200 66551
Write to us: info@drkumarswamy.com