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Dental Implants: Surgery, Advantages, and Risks

Dental Implants: Surgery, Advantages, and Risks

Arguably, dental implants in Oak Lawn, IL, are the best tooth restoration option in the market. This innovative treatment has been used for over six decades and has altered countless smiles. Our dentist near you can use tooth implants to redefine your smile regardless of the number of teeth you need to replace. Dental implants near you are set apart from the other tooth replacement options since they replace the whole tooth, from the root to the crown. Technically, they are known as root replacements. This trait alone makes them boast of a host of benefits. However, before we look at the benefits, let’s peer into how implants are placed.

Dental Implants Procedure

Every patient is unique, so our dentist near me might employ different techniques and implants depending on your needs. Also, depending on your issue, our dentist may perform extra procedures before you get the implant. However, this is the general procedure:
  • Initial Exam
Tooth implant success is determined by the health of your jawbone, gums, and overall health. Therefore, our dentist will carry out a thorough examination to ascertain whether you can undergo surgery. So, expect X-rays, scans, and tooth impressions to be taken. Plus, this is the time our dentist will clarify the number of teeth that you desire to replace. Our dentist 60453 will also check your medical history to check if you have any underlying conditions that may hinder healing, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Tooth Extraction
If the tooth you desire to replace is still intact, our dentist will extract it before receiving a tooth implant. In certain cases, you might receive the implant the same day after the tooth extraction if you are going for same-day implants.
  • Bone Grafting, Sinus Augmentation, and Gum Grafting
Bone grafting is performed to bulk up the jawbone if there isn’t enough healthy bone to support the implant. If your gums have receded, our dentist can perform a gum graft to help stimulate the growth of new gum tissue. A sinus augmentation is performed when you have lost teeth in your upper jaw and some bone mass. However, all the above procedures are only carried out when the need arises.
  • Placing the Implant
Once the above procedures are performed, you can receive the tooth implant. Our dentist will surgically insert the implant with pinpoint precision. Our dentist will most likely use the two-stage process, which means that after the implant is placed, you will be given some time to heal. Then you will come back for our dentist to carry out the following step.
  • Abutment Placement
Our dentist will then confirm that the implant is firmly secured in the jawbone. If this is the case, then an abutment, a connector that is attached to the implant. This is the part that the crown is linked to.
  • Tooth Replacement
Finally, our dentist in Oak Lawn, IL will secure the tooth replacement (crown, bridge, or denture) on the implant, and your smile will be as good as new.

How Painful Are Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants is not painful because our dentist will not commence the procedure before using general or local anesthesia. Therefore, your mouth will be completely numb. After the procedure is over, the numbness will wear off, and you may have some mild pain. The pain can be less than that pain you experience when you undergo a tooth extraction. Rarely, a few patients may experience excruciating pain. In most cases, this is because of an improperly fitted implant or infection. However, most people will not be in excruciating pain while they are recovering.

What Are the Risks?

Just like any other procedure, implant surgery is not devoid of risks. However, the problems are quite rare. If they occur, our dentist can easily treat them. Here they are:
  • Infection at the implant site
  • Sinus issues if the implant is placed in the upper jaw and protrudes into the sinus cavity
  • Injury or damage to the surrounding teeth or blood vessels
  • Nerve damage that can cause tingling in the mouth or pain

What Are the Advantages of Tooth Implants?

If you decide to go the tooth-implant direction, expect the following benefits:
  • Stability. This is because they are placed directly into the jawbone
  • Bone health. Losing teeth comes with bone loss. However, tooth implants are placed in the jaw bone stopping jaw bone deterioration
  • Versatility. Tooth implants give you the option to use any type of tooth replacement option you wish to use. Plus, they can replace any number of teeth
  • Durability. If the procedure is successful, the tooth implant will become a part of you, so it can last an entire lifetime
As you can see, dental implants near you can change your smile for the better. Contact us at Forrest Tower DDS if you wish to get a tooth implant.
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