How an Implant Dentist Can Replace a Missing Tooth

If you have missing teeth, your implant dentist can have replacements ready in no time. The means to replace your teeth depends on how many teeth you lost. You can discuss your options with your implant dentist. Here are your available options.

Removable implant-supported replacement

Dental patients who have several teeth missing might want this type of tooth replacement. This tooth-replacement system can support upper or lower dentures. It provides strength and stability when speaking or eating. Those who worry that the dentures they get might slip out can have this tooth replacement instead.

Patients who have missing lower teeth will need about two to six dental implants. If all the upper teeth are missing, the implant dentist will establish more than four dental implants. The implants must have strategic locations to make sure that the dentures will stay in place. Each denture is removable, making it easy for the patient to clean it.

Single-tooth replacement

This is a basic option that many implant dentists offer. Although it is called a “single-tooth” replacement, it can replace several teeth in various positions in the mouth. Implant dentists find this option gaining more popularity because of its durability and aesthetic value. Single-tooth replacement can provide patients with a new tooth and a new root at the same time. The implant dentist needs to implant titanium posts under the gums and into the jawbone. A few months later, osseointegration stabilizes the implants.

The titanium implants serve as the new roots for the patient’s new teeth in the upper or lower jaw. After osseointegration, the implant dentist will place an abutment and then a crown on it. The implant and crown will unite as a tooth replacement that looks and feels natural. An experienced implant dentist will make sure that the implant functions like a normal tooth. After the procedure, the patient will regain the ability to speak and chew well.

Fixed multiple-tooth replacement

An implant dentist can also offer this type of tooth replacement if the patient has several teeth missing. Dental implants can replace teeth that are right next to each other. The implant dentist establishes two dental implants on each side of the gap. As the implants heal, temporary crowns will protect the rods. After healing, the dentist will place a fixed bridge on the top part of the dental implant. The custom-fit fixed bridge fills the gap between the implants.

Dental implant aftercare

The implant dentist will give the patient proper aftercare instructions. These pointers will help the patient get the most out of the dental implant. Proper healing can lead to the success of this dental restoration. The following tips can help the dental implant last for decades:

• Right after the procedure, the patient can go home once ready to do so. Complete rest is necessary until the effects of anesthesia fade. This may take many hours. Most dentists use a local anesthetic. For implant surgery that needs sedation or general anesthetic, someone must drive the patient home. Avoiding strenuous activities is necessary for healing.
• For the first two days, there will be light bleeding. Biting on a sterile gauze over the implant site will keep a steady pressure, which can stop the bleeding. The patient must be on a soft diet.
• Within 72 hours, there will be bruising or swelling in the area. The patient can reduce this by placing an ice pack on the cheek area for about 10 minutes each hour. Using a prescribed mouthwash three to four times daily can help the implant area heal better. Take the antibiotics according to the dentist’s instructions. The soft diet must continue.
• After three days, more healing will happen. The pain and swelling will have gone down.
• Seven to 10 days after the implant surgery, the dentist will need to remove the stitches.

The healing will continue for four to eight months. During this period, the titanium rod will fuse with the jawbone. Seeing the dentist for regular checkups will help maintain the proper healing of the implant.

A well-trained, experienced implant dentist can replace your missing teeth in three basic ways

Tooth loss is a common problem in every corner of the world. Many factors, such as lifestyle and diet, cause the deterioration of teeth. Replacing lost teeth can bring back your oral health. These types of tooth replacements can help you regain your smile. A good implant dentist can make this happen if your healing is good. With a thorough dental examination, your implant dentist can determine which tooth-replacement treatment is most suitable for you.

Are you considering visiting an implant dentist in the McKinney area? Get more information at https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com.

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