Dental Implants: Important Questions Answered

dental implants in cardiff
08 Sep 2022

Dental Implants: Important Questions Answered

If you are missing teeth, you are likely contemplating various procedures, such as dental implants, to enhance the appearance of your smile. Traditional tooth replacement techniques, such as dentures, are being supplanted by dental implants. They are a permanent solution, and the process is often performed swiftly by a dentist.

Due to the increasing popularity of this treatment, a patient should learn a great deal before receiving dental implants. This covers the many kinds of dental implants you get, aftercare, and the healing process. Here, we will discuss all of these factors and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Continue reading for more information.  

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants are the two most common kinds of dental implants. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these implants, and some patients can do better with one than the other.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are among the most common dental implant kinds.

Typically, the implant will be screwed directly into the jawbone by a Private dentist in Cardiff. This screw serves as a tooth’s root. Abutments are used by endosteal implants to secure the replacement tooth in place.

Subperiosteal Implants

The metal foundation of these implants is inserted above the jawbone and below the gum tissue. These implants are uncommon and superior for individuals with a thin jawbone. These patients are not candidates for endosteal implants. However, these implants do not provide the same level of stability.

How Do Implants Function?

Replacement tooth roots can be placed into the jawbone in the form of metal “screws” called “dental implants.” Dental porcelain crowns that appear and feel like natural teeth are cemented onto these screw-like posts. People who have had dental implants are typically surprised by how natural their new teeth seem when they chew, consume, and talk.

Does the time it takes to have dental implants vary?

Procedures involving dental implants usually take between one and two hours per “tooth” or implant. Only the screw-like post will be included, not the whole tooth crown. Dentists often recommend patients wait about three months after implant surgery before getting their permanent crowns attached. After 90 days, the implant should have fully healed and bonded to the bone, at which point the permanent replacement tooth can be implanted.

The Materials Used in Dental Implants.

Implants consist of two pieces: the roots and the crowns. Titanium alloy, the same material used for shoulder, knee, and hip replacements, is also utilised to create tooth roots for dental implants. Titanium is one of the most biocompatible metals, hence it is utilised for dental implants.

The crowns, or the component of the dental implants that people can see, are constructed of porcelain. Porcelain is excellent for replacement teeth because it is strong, long-lasting, and can be precisely shade-matched to your natural teeth. Veneers, another common method of replacing missing teeth, are also made of porcelain.

What Is the Pain Level Like With Dental Implants?

You won’t feel a thing when we make an incision in your gums and insert titanium posts into your jawbone since we utilise a strong local anaesthetic for dental implant treatments. When getting a dental implant, the most pain you’re likely to feel is pressure just where the root is being placed.

Dental implants: how long do they last?

The screws in dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care such as brushing, flossing, and biannual dental check-ups. These implants are designed to be as long-lasting as possible and to integrate into the jawbone after surgery. With the same meticulous maintenance, dental crowns can survive for up to 20 years. The crown, like regular veneers, may need to be changed after this time owing to normal wear and tear.

When can I resume my regular diet after getting dental implants?

After roughly a week, patients can eat normally again without worrying about their dental implants Cardiff. It is the dentist’s decision whether or not you may resume a normal diet after dental implant surgery, thus it is important to keep all of your follow-up visits. If your dentist has given you the all-clear, only then should you resume your regular diet.

Getting Dental Implants: Do I Need Them?

Many individuals who are dissatisfied with their smile or teeth are good candidates for dental implants. If you meet the following criteria, you can be a good candidate for a dental implant.

  • You are missing one or more teeth.
  • You now have a completely formed jawbone.
  • The bone quality and quantity are both suitable for implant placement, or bone grafting is an option.
  • You either don’t want to or can’t wear dentures.
  • You want to make your communication skills better.

You are prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to the procedure, which might take months or even years if a large number of implants need to be placed.

Aftercare

You should floss or use water floss at least once a day and brush your teeth three times daily.  For a few days after surgery, you should stay away from very chewy foods like candies and particularly hard foods like potato chips. Assuming your implants heal well, you’ll still need to schedule semi-annual dental appointments.

Are you looking for an implant dentist?

The first thing you need to do if you want to obtain dental implants is to locate a competent dentist. If you’re already in Cardiff, you don’t need to go very far to find what you’re looking for. Book your appointment with Super Smile Dental today!