Today, improved technology has made dental implant surgeries easier and relatively painless. However, it is natural to be a little anxious before any such procedure. To clear your mind beforehand, you can consult your dentist and discuss your queries. Always disclose your complete oral history to the dentist so they know what to be prepared for. In addition, you must know how you can prepare for dental implant surgery, especially if it’s your first time. What are dental implants? Dental implants are titanium screw-shaped artificial tooth roots. They replace the natural root of a missing tooth. The implants must be placed in the jawbone, so minor oral surgery is required to attach them correctly. Getting dental implants requires a progressive series of appointments. This includes consultation, placement of implants, and placement of crowns. Once the surgery is over, the dentist may also schedule follow up appointments. A dental implant replaces one or more permanent teeth lost due to an injury, gum disease, tooth decay, or infection. During your initial meeting with your dentist, they may discuss different options for replacing your teeth. Dentures and bridges are examples of these alternatives. Dental implants – Procedure, preparation, and tips Before you proceed with a dental implant operation, consider the following tips.

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots composed of titanium alloy. These versatile prosthetics provide functional benefits such as chewing, fluent speech, and an improved natural-looking smile. Effective and long-lasting implant surgery requires professional guidance. A single-tooth implant costs range from $1,000 to $4,000 and may vary based on one’s location and implant type. Read on to learn more about the types of implants and the associated treatment costs. Need for dental implants As discussed above, dental implants help restore oral health without damaging healthy teeth. Furthermore, they help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration in the absence of teeth. One may need a tooth replacement if one: Has a missing tooth or multiple teeth due to injury, disease, or genetics Has lost a significant amount of jawbone due to a gum disease Has ill-fitting dentures Dental implants may also provide psychological benefits: A full smile with well-aligned teeth can boost confidence while interacting with others. It boosts overall well-being and emotional health as one can enjoy a healthy meal plan and lifestyle. Steps of a dental implant procedure Extraction of the damaged tooth Bone grafting (a surgical procedure to repair damaged bone using transplanted bone, usually taking a few months to heal) Cutting the gums (to expose the bone) and drilling into it Placing an implant Osseointegration (a process where the transplanted bone bonds with the implant, which may take several months to ensure a sturdy base for the dental crown) Abutment placement (fixing a metal base on the implant to keep it in place) Crown fixing (placing a dental crown on the abutment when the implants become strong enough to chew food) The root structure of implants is titanium, which is biocompatible with human tissue.

Our bodies change considerably when we age. Some of these changes can include the state of our teeth (damaged, missing, or hurting). However, most of these issues can be resolved by consulting a dentist and receiving professional treatment. Dental implants for seniors are one treatment that can provide many benefits, from improving one’s oral health to boosting self-confidence with a brighter smile. This article explores eight advantages of dental implants for seniors. How does a dental implant work? A dental implant involves replacing a missing tooth or teeth in the mouth. An implant (replacement tooth root) is surgically inserted using a titanium post into the jawbone. This implant acts as a strong foundation for the new artificial tooth. The titanium fuses with the existing bone while creating a secure base, and this process may take a few weeks before abutment fixing. Then, the dentist will securely attach an abutment (a metal piece that connects the implant and the new tooth). Upon this abutment sits the custom-made crown (artificial tooth) to the implant, completing the procedure. Thus, patients can enjoy a permanent and durable teeth replacement that looks and functions just like a natural tooth through a dental implant process. If seniors have lost their teeth due to decay, as a side effect of other conditions, or merely due to age, the procedure can help restore their confidence and make several things easier for them.