When you lose your teeth, Rekos & Border Oral Surgery offer dental implants, which are a popular option for tooth replacement.
Implants consist of small titanium rods, abutments, and crowns.
The process for getting your dental implants is more involved than other methods of tooth replacement, but the benefits make it well worth the time.
Benefits of Implants
Implants offer numerous benefits:
| • | Improved eating ability, and therefore improved overall health. |
| • | Better speech. |
| • | More comfortable than traditional dentures. |
| • | Crowns can be cared for just like your natural teeth. |
| • | Maintain the strength of your jawbone. |
| • | A more natural smile can lead to greater confidence. |
First Steps: Your Consultation
Before you get your dental implants, you must first have a consultation to determine whether or not you are a candidate.
We conduct a thorough oral examination, during which we assess the condition of your gums and any teeth that may be remaining in your mouth. We also need to take a few x-rays, which will allow us to assess the condition of your jawbone.
Sufficient bone mass is required to successfully support implants. X-rays also help us to chart the best course of action for surgery, including the optimal placement of the implants.
The Day of Surgery
If you are found to be a suitable candidate for dental implants, we will then move ahead with surgery.
On the day of your procedure, we will first administer a local anesthetic at the surgical sites. We can also provide you with sedation, which can help you to relax. If necessary, unsalvageable teeth are removed.
Surgery begins with a few small incisions in your gum tissue, exposing the bone underneath.
With the use of a drill, holes are made into the bone. Implants are then placed into the jaw, and your gums sutured closed around them. A small amount of the titanium rod will be left exposed above the gums.
Before you go home to begin the healing process, you will be provided with a set of temporary teeth so you can eat and speak normally.
Healing at Home
Healing can take several weeks to several months, depending on you and the number of implants placed. During this time, the bone regenerates and fuses to the implants.
Rest is essential to healing. You should avoid doing any strenuous activities, especially in the early stages. Eat foods that are of a softer texture, and are nutritious. You must be sure to properly care for your surgical sites during this time.
You will also have several appointments so that we can monitor the progression of your healing and make sure that there are no issues.
Getting Your Permanent Teeth
Once you have healed, we will begin the process for your permanent teeth.
We will remove your temporary teeth, and place abutments on the titanium rods. Impressions of your mouth are taken and sent to a lab, where your permanent teeth are created.
When they are ready, you will come back one last time so that we can screw your permanent teeth into place and give cleaning instructions.
If you have suffered from tooth loss, dental implants can greatly help to restore your quality of life. Contact Rekos & Border Oral Surgery at (614) 764-9455 to schedule your consultation and start the journey to your beautiful, healthy new smile today!
