Dental implants are artificial teeth that a dental surgeon, like your top Manitoba dentist, inserts into your jawbone if you have lost one or more teeth. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants, the risks associated with them, and what you can expect from the surgery.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants replace missing teeth. The dental surgeon uses screw-like devices to insert an implant into the jawbone. That acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth called a crown. To connect the artificial tooth to the dental implant, the dentist will use a device called an abutment. Some people choose dental implants over dentures because they feel more natural and comfortable. But it's important to note that dental implants are not for everyone. A person's bones have to be healthy before they can undergo the surgery.
What types of dental implants are there?
The two types of dental implants are subperiosteal and endosteal. Endosteal is more common than the former. Your dental surgeon embeds the implants in the jawbone and each is able to hold one or more artificial teeth. But for subperiosteal implants, the surgeon will just implant on top of the jawbone. This option is for people who do not have a lot of height to their jawbone. Talk to your Manitoba dentist to find out which implant option is best for you!
What is the procedure like?
Before the surgery, you may receive an anti-bacterial mouth wash or some prescription antibiotics. These help to lower your chance of infection. On the day of your surgery, you will also need someone to pick you up and drop you off if you choose to go with sedation. You should talk to your dental surgeon about the level of sedation you want to go with. Either way, once you go numb, they will make an incision, to expose the bone, in your gum. They will then use a drill to create space in the bone for the implant. From there, the implant will go in and then your incision may need a stitch or two. After all that, you wait a few months for the implant and bone to become one piece and then you start the second phase of the procedure. Your dental surgeon will make another incision and place the abutment on the implant. Then they'll take the impression to fit your crown.
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, there can be risks. These may include nerve damage, the incision opening after surgery, the implant moving, and infection. If you experience any of those, you may need to go through additional procedures. Some signs that your implant may not have been unsuccessful include the implant being mobile, pus coming from the site, pain, and progressive bone loss.
What does this cost at my Manitoba dentist?
The cost of dental implant surgery varies. There are a number of factors that influence the cost such as the number of implants, the type you need, the location, and whether you need more procedures to prepare for the surgery. It is best to talk to your dentist or oral health care professional so you can estimate the cost of the examinations and surgery. Your dental insurance may also cover some of the costs.
We hope this blog helped you to understand Dental implants a little bit more. Remember to talk to your Manitoba dentist if you have any more questions or if you want to discuss the possibility of you getting a dental implant if it's right for you.