Category: Dental Implant

How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

Posted on by westerndental

The motivation for individuals undergoing a dental implant procedure varies, and the duration of the procedure is a common concern. Some individuals require dental implants to fill the gaps caused by missing teeth, while others seek to secure their dentures in place. There are cases where people opt for implants to replace a recently extracted or congenitally missing tooth. Various factors lead to tooth extraction, including decay, infection, gum disease, or tooth injury.

The dental implant procedure time primarily depends on:

  • The type of dental implant used
  • The number of required implants

In this blog, we will discuss the steps involved in the dental implant procedure.

Dental exam

Before starting any dental work, a dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination. The objective of this step is to know your oral cavity’s overall health. This examination may involve the use of X-rays and 3D scans. Regardless of your dentist’s familiarity with your mouth, this step is essential.

In this step, the dentist will analyze the condition of your gums and jawbone to know if they can support the dental implants. Subsequently, they will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and provide appropriate care.

Implant procedure

Following a comprehensive exam, your dentist will schedule surgery for dental implants. Titanium screws are placed in the jawbone below the gums, taking about 1-2 hours per screw.

The number of implants required in the procedure decides the duration of the procedure.

Afterward, a healing period allows integration with the bone to support new crowns or bridges. This takes time but is important for the successful completion of the dental implant procedure. Finally, the dentist completes the restoration, providing you with your new teeth.

Post-procedure recovery 

After receiving a dental implant, certain individuals may encounter swelling, bruising, or discomfort. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the dental work required during the implant installation.

Furthermore, if a tooth extraction was necessary, additional discomfort may be experienced. The period between the implant surgery and the crown fitting is crucial. The healing process typically spans approximately 90 days.

Crown and abutment fitting 

Following the healing process, the next and final step involves attaching the abutment and crown to the dental implant. The abutment acts as a cushioning element, protecting the implant and supporting the permanent crown.

This step may require exposing the gums to ensure a precise fitting for the abutment and crown. Once the abutment is securely in place, the crown will be fitted, marking the completion of your dental implant procedure.

Conclusion 

It is important to understand that the dental implant procedure entails multiple steps and may span several months from initiation to completion. However, the outcome is a permanent replacement tooth. The most accurate estimation of the duration specific to your case can be obtained through a discussion with your dentist.

7 Common Signs Indicating You Need Emergency Dental Care!

Posted on by westerndental

Emergencies happen so you have to be prepared. When you experience tooth pain, it is vital to know if you need emergency dental care. However, not all dental issues are emergencies. Today, we are going to learn the 7 most common signs of dental emergency in Valdese.

1. Bleeding:

If your gums bleed after you brush or floss, it can be a cause of concern. It is the most common sign of gingivitis or gum disease. You may even notice a smell while flossing, swelling of gums, or ache. Such symptoms require immediate treatment. If the condition stays unattended, it can get irreversible and you won’t be able to get your healthy teeth back.

2. Sudden Tooth Loss:

Losing a tooth is not only painful but also aesthetically unfortunate for adults. If your tooth is knocked out, falls out, or gets loose, you should get in touch with a dentist right away. Quick action can help retain the tooth and it can be replanted.

3. Swelling:

Swelling is the most common sign of tooth or mouth infection. And this infection can be life-threatening so it is vital to see a dentist as soon as possible. An untreated infection can get into the bloodstream and cause some serious health issues. Tell the dentist how long you have been experiencing swelling so that they can provide you with the best possible treatment.

4. Pain:

Unbearable pain that radiates to your neck, jaw, or ear is a sign of serious dental issues. This type of pain often increases when you lie down. You may also feel throbbing in your mouth, sensitivity, and swelling. A dentist will do a proper examination to determine what is going on and begin the treatment as soon as possible.

5. A growth or Sore:

If you notice a growth in your mouth, it is vital to contact your dentist right away. A growth that doesn’t go away can be a sign of oral cancer. A dentist will do a visual screening to identify visual abnormalities.

6. Popping Jaw:

The jaw slides back and forth in many people with no issues. If you are feeling pain along with a popping sensation if your jaw is locked, you should go to your dentist immediately. You may have pain while chewing, a clicking or grinding noise when the jaw is open, or a limitation of movement. If you have such symptoms, make sure to get in touch with your dentist so that they can tell you about the issue.

7. Severe Pain:

One of the most common signs of a dental emergency is a toothache. When you have pain that is constant and severe, contact a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will do a proper examination and take X-rays if needed to know the root cause. After that, they will provide you with the best possible treatment.

If you notice any of the above signs, consider it a dental emergency. And don’t hesitate to contact your dentist to save your teeth.

 

Will I Need a Dental Implant After Tooth Extraction?

Posted on by westerndental

Nothing is better than natural teeth and that’s why dentists do everything in their power to protect and restore your natural teeth. However, in some situations, it is not possible to salvage the original teeth. It can be due to trauma, decay, disease, or simply negligence. In such a situation, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to stop spreading the infection, decay, or disease to other teeth and parts. Before removing your tooth, your dentist will talk about options for replacing the tooth, such as a dental implant.

 

It is crucial to replace missing or extracted teeth as early as possible and, for most patients, dental implants are the best choice.

 

Why is it important to receive a dental implant after tooth extraction?

Here are some reasons why dental implants are highly recommended after tooth extraction:

 

A Dental Implant Restores Normal Form and Function.

Replacing the extracted or missing tooth with a dental implant helps you restore the form and function of the non-viable tooth. It also helps enhance your smile. No one likes to live with missing teeth for their lifetime. Dental implants after tooth extraction enable you to maintain a normal and healthy appearance.

 

A Dental Implant Prevents Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction.

Another important reason to receive dental implant treatment after a tooth extraction is to prevent bone loss. Your jawbone needs regular stimulation from your tooth root to stay strong and do its work. When your bad tooth is removed, you lose the root if the bad tooth is not replaced by a dental implant because your jawbone doesn’t get regular stimulation. As a result, it leads to bone atrophy and decays over time.

 

A Dental Implant May Prevent Unwanted Facial Changes.

With bone loss, there comes a couple of consequences that you won’t like. The degradation of your jawbone can lead to unwanted changes to your facial appearance. Besides, without a jawbone, dental restoration becomes even more challenging because a dental implant needs a certain bone volume to anchor them in place. If you don’t have enough jawbone mass for a dental implant, an oral surgeon might need to perform a bone graft procedure before placing dental implants in your mouth.

 

In addition to all the above reasons, dental implants are also beneficial in various ways.

 

Why are dental implants the perfect choice after tooth extraction?

When it comes to the prevention of bone loss, dental implants are highly preferred over other methods such as dentures. It is because only dental implants can function as artificial tooth roots. Only dental implants can provide ongoing stimulation to your jawbone and prevent bone atrophy. Hence, dental implants are very helpful in fortifying your oral health.

 

There are also other reasons why dental implants make the best choice after tooth extraction. Dentures and bridges require usually healthy teeth to be extracted or shaved down so that they can be fitted in your mouth properly. Only dental implants allow for full dental restoration without any negative effects on the surrounding teeth. Besides, when properly cared for and maintained, dental implants can last for a lifetime.

 

If you have a decayed tooth and need a tooth extraction and/or a dental implant in Rutherford College, Valdese, or Connelly Springs, please contact us today.

5 Myths about Dental Implants You Need to Know

Posted on by westerndental

More and more people are realizing the benefits of dental implants, but many myths still surround the procedure, and some even discourage people from seeking out this treatment in the first place. In order to give you accurate information about dental implants, we’re debunking 5 of the most common myths about this process so you can decide if it’s right for you. Read on to find out what these myths are and why they aren’t true at all!

Dental Implants Are Noticeable

If you’re going in for dental implants, that means you want your teeth back. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t look just like your natural teeth. Modern materials and techniques can make your dental implant so seamless, people will never know it was missing.

Dental Implants Require a Lot of Maintenance

One of dental implant myths out there is that they need a lot of maintenance, and that’s simply not true. With proper care after your dental implant procedure, you can go a long time between visits to your dentist. Just brush and floss as usual, and you should be good for quite some time! In fact, going more than three years between appointments is pretty typical with dental implants—though it does depend on your own unique oral health.

Implants Damage Surrounding Teeth and Gums

While it’s true that there may be some initial pain and discomfort from placing a dental implant, complications are extremely rare. Surrounding teeth, gums and other soft tissues will not be damaged. They’re protected during all stages of treatment. Long term implant survival is excellent, with 96% of patients experiencing no loss in bone density over five years. As long as you eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene habits, your dentist can keep your mouth healthy even after dental implants have been placed.

Dental Implants Commonly Fall Out

Some people will tell you that dental implants aren’t safe. They might even say that most of them will end up falling out. This isn’t true. The truth is that dental implants rarely fall out—and when they do, it’s usually because there was a problem with how well it was put in place during surgery or a failure on your part to take care of it afterwards.

Dental Implants Cause Headaches

Although it is true that some dental implants can cause headaches, most have little to no impact on your head. Before you consider dental implants, be sure to consult a physician and have an MRI performed. If you’re in good health, it may be time for new teeth! It’s important that you know whether or not dental implants are right for you before you decide on them. Ask your dentist if they’re a good choice!

Conclusion

If you’re considering getting dental implants in Valdese, don’t be scared off by all the myths that have been floating around for years. Instead, educate yourself and find a reliable practitioner who can answer all of your questions. You might just find that dental implants are the best option for you.

How to Maintain Oral Hygiene after Dental Implants?

Posted on by westerndental

Implant insertion has become a lot more convenient because of technological advancements. This has resulted in an upsurge in dental implant treatment.

Your dentist in Connelly Springs will examine your mouth thoroughly before placing your implant. The dentist will then design how and where these implants will be inserted. The only thing left to do is maintain the implant.

To keep your implants healthy, you must practice good dental hygiene on a daily basis. To avoid infections, you must keep your implants, teeth, and mouth healthy, just as your natural teeth. You can expect your implant to last for years if you take care of it and your implant bone is properly fitted.

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Clean After Dental Implants

  1. Brush Daily

Some people mistakenly believe that they don’t need to brush implants every day because they are not prone to decay like natural teeth. However, this viewpoint is incorrect, and it can lead to poor dental hygiene and oral health.

While implants are not natural teeth, you must brush them on a daily basis. Brushing your implants twice a day will help eliminate food particles, plaque, and germs that can build up around them and cause gum tissue inflammation.

  1. Use a Soft Nylon Brush

You may have to switch toothbrushes after getting dental implants. Nylon toothbrushes contain pliable bristles that are gentle on your implants. You can use a Proxabrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas around the implants.

Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes since they can harm the surface of your implants. In fact, once your implants are in place, you should avoid cleaning your mouth with any form of metal equipment.

  1. Daily Flossing

If you want to keep your oral hygiene with dental implants in good shape, you must floss every day. While the implants are not susceptible to natural decay, the gum tissue around the implants is prone to degradation. Floss carefully between each implant daily to keep bacteria at bay and maintain your gum tissue.

  1. Avoid Sticky/Hard Foods

Eating hard/sticky foods can cause your implants to deteriorate. Avoid the following foods after your dental implants:

  • Caramel
  • Dried fruit
  • Hard candies
  • Potato chips
  • Carrots
  • Apples
  • Steak

Your dental implants will remain healthy if you avoid consuming sticky and hard foods.

  1. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol.

Avoiding smoking and ingesting alcohol is typically a good idea. However, it’s especially important to avoid some drugs if you have dental implants.

Remember that it takes about six months for your dental implants to cure; thus, smoking during this time might be quite harmful. Additionally, drinking alcohol has been known to impede the recovery process of dental implants.

  1. Visit the Dentist Regularly.

Dental implants can get you a more attractive smile. However, they aren’t a cure for all oral hygiene problems.

Depending on your general dental health, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year. If you take good care of your dental implants and visit the dentist on a regular basis, they can last a lifetime.

As you can see, taking care of your dental implants is relatively simple. Contact a trustworthy dental clinic in Connelly Springs if you have any queries about dental implant care.

How long will it take to feel normal after getting dental implants?

Posted on by westerndental

Have you recently received a dental implant treatment in Connelly Springs? If yes, then one question you must be having now is when will you feel and eat normally? Remember that getting a dental implant means you are recovering from major oral surgery. It means you should be patient a little and give your treated area proper time to heal. However, it doesn’t mean that it will take a long time for you to feel normal.

At Western Piedmont Dental, we want you to be fully informed about what to expect after the treatment of dental implants in Connelly Springs. So, stay tuned to get the detailed answer to the question you have.

Will I feel severe pain after receiving a dental implant?

No, you won’t. After receiving a dental implant, you won’t be suffering from severe pain. However, you might have mild pain and discomfort for at least a week. Though modern dental implant surgery is minimally invasive, it is still considered major oral surgery.

The placement process of dental implants involves drilling into your jaw and gums to create an opening for placing an implant. For the first few hours after the surgery, you will not be feeling anything because of the effect of local sedation if you have opted for sedation during the procedure.

Once the sedation effects wear off, it’s normal to feel some pain in the area. If the pain is significant, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller to deal with it or ask your doctor to prescribe it. If you are already taking medications, please consult to your dentist or doctor before taking any painkiller.

After a day, you will start noticing slight bruising in your mouth where a dental implant is fixed. Swelling and tenderness in the treatment site are also common.

In fact, it is highly likely that you will feel that the implant site is highly sensitive and tender. So, it is highly advised to avoid hot foods, crunchy items, cold drinks, or anything that is going to exert pressure, force, or leave a sensation effect on the treatment site.

You will notice these symptoms and some discomfort for about 3 to 7 days. After a week, your symptoms will begin to subside. You will also get a complete list of instructions on what to do and what not to do at our dental clinic in Connelly Springs.

Most patients don’t feel any pain or severe discomfort after two weeks. After this timeline, the treatment area gets mostly or completely healed. So, you should feel no pain or discomfort or experience any bleeding. There will be no swelling or bruising in the area.

So, if you are still feeling severe discomfort, significant pain, swelling, or bleeding after two weeks of receiving dental implants, please contact us right away. We are committed to serving you and helping you achieve your oral health and aesthetic goals.

In case you were just looking for information and are planning to get dental implants for your lost tooth? We welcome you to Western Piedmont Dental for dental implants in Connelly Springs.

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