Dental implants are a really wonderful thing not only because they mimic the function of our natural teeth but help repair the functionality of our entire smile too.
But once your treatment has concluded, you still need to practice good habits in order to maintain and preserve your oral health. Contact our local dental clinic to gather more information about dental implants in Duncan and how to look after them. Our dentists and oral surgeons will be able to answer any questions you have about doing so.
What are Implants?
Simply put, a dental implant is a customized device that’s produced from titanium, a biocompatible material, in a laboratory. They’re comprised of 3 parts: the screw, the abutment (connecting piece), and the prosthetic, usually a dental crown, that sits on top.
Once you’ve had your implants placed, they will serve you for life; you won’t need to worry about replacing them due to corrosion or irritation concerning your gum tissue and bones. Furthermore, your implants are customized to satisfy the dimensions of your oral cavity, so they won’t feel loose or wiggle around.
Dental Implant Procedure
The first step in acquiring implants from a dentist near you is attending a private consultation. This is a one-on-one session where your dentist conducts a physical examination of your teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken too. The purpose of each of these things is to help your dentist understand the full extent of your oral health and what needs to be addressed.
They will be able to tell you if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants. If you are, you’ll return for subsequent appointments.
Next, your mouth will be cleaned, and you’ll be given anesthesia so you can remain comfortable. Next, a drill is utilized to place the screw and abutment into your jaw. You’ll need some time to heal and will have to wait until your prosthetic is ready before you can return.
After you’ve received your crown, final touches will be made. Your mouth will be cleaned out once again and then … there you have it! A fully restored smile crafted just for you!
Aftercare
Taking it easy and consciously prioritizing your oral health following the procedure is important. Even though the implants themselves are extremely stable and reliable, you still need to keep your mouth clean. Otherwise, other, more complex problems can arise down the road.
Described below are some steps you can follow to maintain good oral health care. If you have any concerns, feel free to discuss them with your dentist in Duncan.
• Brush your teeth every day.
Specifically, twice a day. A soft-bristled toothbrush will help reduce any sensitivity or pain. Navigate the space around your new prosthetic carefully. Removing food and tartar is still necessary so cavities don’t appear.
• Floss at least once every day.
Flossing is just as important, especially since it allows us to extract debris we can’t reach with a toothbrush. Floss that is unwaxed is easier to slide between your teeth.
• Try an oral irrigator.
This is also known as a water flosser. It uses pressure to clean out areas in your mouth, like the area around your new implant. You can think of it as a backup for flossing. This is a good strategy for avoiding gum disease because it can clean right along your gum line.
Are you ready to book an appointment to receive dental implants near you? If so, call or stop by our dental practice when you can. Here at Cowichan Valley Dental Group, our team is ready to assist you with anything you need to love your smile once more.
