All About Dental Implants: Everything You Need To Know

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. So, a damaged or missing tooth can really leave a lasting impression—but not the one you want. Fortunately, there are many dental solutions for replacing them, one of which is a dental implant. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Most dental implants have posts made out of titanium or zirconium oxide that are inserted into the jaw to hold an artificial tooth. The dental implant acts as a root for the artificial tooth, which is attached to the implant. The dental implant acts as an anchor and holds the replacement tooth in place. 

Before The Procedure

If you're considering dental implant surgery, it's a good idea to consult your dentist before finalizing the surgical procedure. Here are a few things to consider and clarify before the procedure: 

• Do an evaluation of your overall health, as this could affect how long it will take for you to heal after the dental implant procedure. 
• Ask your dentist what dental implant brand and model is being used, and keep this information for your own records. 
• If you're a smoker, ask your dentist if this will impact your implant surgery and if they think it will affect the success of the dental implant in the long term. 

After The Procedure

Once your dental implant placement is done, follow these steps:

• Carefully read and follow the instructions your dentist has provided to you after the dental surgery. These instructions will include steps to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid early implant failure. 
• Add regular dental appointments to your calendar to follow up on your dental implant and ensure all is well. 
• If your artificial tooth or dental implant is feeling loose, contact your dental provider immediately. Although unlikely, your dental implant could come loose and it's important to rectify the situation right away. 

Potential Risks & How To Mitigate Them

With many surgical procedures out there, dental implant surgery comes with risks. Some of these risks include:

• Damage to natural teeth surrounding the implant during the dental implant placement. 
• Injury to surrounding tissues during implant surgery.
• Early implant failure (the artificial tooth coming loose shortly after the surgery.)
• Rarely, post-surgical numbness due to possible nerve damage.

The good news is that you can minimize these risks by maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are key to monitoring your dental implant health and detecting any issues early on. 

Long-Term Maintenance

Once your dental implant surgery is complete, you must do the following to ensure long-term success:

• Regular and consistent care is absolutely crucial for the long-term success of your dental implant(s). 
• Book and don't miss your check-ups with your dental professional.
• Always be vigilant and monitor your mouth for changes that may occur.

Conclusion

Even though dental implant surgery has risks associated with it, you should take into consideration that most dental implants are successful. If you think this could be a good solution for a damaged or missing tooth, speak to a professional about dental implants in Winnipeg and learn the best way forward for your unique scenario.