How a Tooth Implant Works

A tooth implant replaces the root of your missing natural tooth. When topped with a dental crown, it offers the look and feel of a real tooth. It is one of several tooth replacement options, along with bridges and dentures. It has many benefits, including increased stability and the ability to eat and chew with ease. It can also help prevent the bone loss that would otherwise occur in the gap where a tooth is missing.송파방이동임플란트

Dental implants are an expensive option, and it’s rare for insurance to cover them. They are a long-term commitment to your oral health, and they require careful follow-up care. To keep them healthy, you must avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you do, your implants will last for a lifetime.

The first step of the implant process is a thorough exam by a dentist. This usually involves X-rays and 3D images of your mouth and jaws. It may also include a discussion of your medical history and any medications you take. Your dentist will determine if you need to stop taking certain drugs or adjust the dosage before surgery.

After the dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for a tooth implant, you’ll visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This specialist will examine your jaw and mouth, making sure the bone is thick enough to support the implant. If it is not, they will recommend a bone graft. This is a surgery that transplants bone tissue from another part of the body or from synthetic material to add strength to your jaw. This can be performed at the same time as the implant, or a little later in the healing process.

Once the bone graft is done and the implant site has healed, your dentist will place a metal spacer, which juts out past your gum line to keep the implant in position. Then they will screw a connector, called an abutment, onto the implant, and then attach the crown.

It’s normal to have some pain and bruising after an implant, as well as swelling around the mouth and face. You should eat soft foods during this period, and apply ice packs to the area to reduce pain and swelling. You should also continue to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.

Your dentist will advise you on a comprehensive post-implant maintenance plan to promote oral health and ensure that your implants stay healthy and strong. It’s important to follow these instructions, as poor hygiene can lead to infection, which can damage the implant and your other teeth. It’s also important to avoid consuming hard or sticky foods, which can cause the implant to break or weaken over time. If you do experience any problems, be sure to report them promptly to your doctor through MedWatch.서울0.1치과의원