Calgary Dental Implants
Treatment
Dental implants are becoming more popular as a means of replacing missing teeth. Not only do they look more like natural teeth, but they also act as a better long-term solution. They are placed directly into the jaw and are not removed every day like dentures. They also will not fall victim to cavities and other dental diseases, making them ideal for a healthier mouth. Overall, 95 percent of dental implants are successful, which it nearly ensures that your implants will be in place for years to come.
What Are the Different Types
of Dental Implants?
There are two different dental implants that you should know about. Endosteal implants go into the bone and are the most common. To fit the implant into the bone, cylinders, screws or blades are used to secure the implant into the jawbone and each prosthetic tooth is on its own implant. This is a viable alternative to removable dentures or bridges.
Subperiosteal implants are on the bone. These use a metal framework to place the prosthetic tooth on top of the jaw. If you have minimal bone height or are not able to wear dentures, this is an option for you.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure
How long the procedure takes will depend on several factors, including:
- Your overall dental health
- Which teeth are being replaced
- How many teeth are being replaced
- If an extraction is necessary before the implant can be secured
There are a variety of aspects for this procedure, from getting you prepared and anesthetized to placing the implants and taking care of any cleaning. The time to place the actual implant is around 30 to 60 minutes on average.
There is always a chance of discomfort with a surgical procedure, so we will talk about the level of anesthesia that will be given. Oral or IV sedation or local anesthesia (numbing the area that will be worked on) are the most common types of anesthesia for this procedure and these generally keep the patient relatively comfortable. Following the procedure, you may be prescribed medications to help control any post-surgical discomfort, such as prescription pain medications. The discomfort can typically be controlled by regular painkillers and most people are able to return to work the following day.
As with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of complications that you want to be aware of before having this procedure done. Complications may include:
- Infection affecting the surrounding gums and bone
- Bone loss around the area of the implant
- The body rejecting the implant
- The implant not properly adhering to the bone
It is important to note that complications are not common and most people will have no issues with their dental implant. Make sure to keep all of your post-surgical appointments and follow all after-care instructions to reduce the risk of complications.