Dental implants are truly a wonderful oral health advancement. Not only can they last a lifetime if you take proper care of them, but they can give you back your smile if you’re missing teeth.
Implants are extremely diverse, meaning that multiple variants are viable to you as a patient. Depending on the current state of your dental health, you may be eligible to receive a single dental implant to replace one tooth, multiple implants, or full mouth implants.
If you’re curious about this method of treatment, we encourage you to contact our dentist in Fort Saskatchewan today! They’re here to answer all your questions.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium prosthetic that’s recommended for patients who are dealing with missing teeth. The implant itself is comprised of a screw, an abutment, and a dental crown that sits above your gums. The crown is what physically fills in the gap in your smile. In comparison, the screw and abutment are surgically installed in your jawbone, and function as a replacement tooth root. With time, a process called osseointegration takes place – this is when the screw fuses with your bone, establishing a very solid foundation for the rest of your smile.
What are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
The term “full mouth implants” is a bit misleading – you’re not receiving dental implants for every single tooth that’s missing. Rather, if you need an entire smile restoration, a dentist near you will install either 4 or 5 strategically placed implants on the top and bottom rows of your mouth. Each of these implants is made up of the same three components found in one implant. Together, these implants will work cohesively, supporting a dental bridge or a full arch of dentures.
The visible prosthetic, typically made of an acrylic base (which mimics your natural gums) and artificial teeth fabricated from resin, will be evenly supported, and locked firmly in place. As a result, you won’t need to worry about it shifting around or falling out of your mouth entirely when eating, talking, or even laughing.
Acquiring Full Mouth Implants
The process of receiving full mouth dental implants near you is a standardized practice within dental clinics across the country.
First, you’ll need to book and attend a private consultation with your dentist. This allotted time allows them to fully examine your oral cavity and take a series of high-definition x-rays so they can fully comprehend your unique dental situation. Your dentist will also discuss your preferences and expectation regarding treatment. If necessary, they may refer you to a denturist for a second opinion.
If you’ve been given the go-ahead to receive full dentures, impressions will be taken of your mouth and sent off to a dental lab. This is where your dental bridge or dentures are fabricated. They will also be designed so that they look as natural as possible. This process takes several weeks to complete.
In the meantime, you’ll need to have the implant screws installed. A dental drill is employed to embed the screw in your jaw. The abutment (which is the piece that connects the screw to the prosthetic) is secured on top. To keep you comfortable, you’ll be given local anesthesia, so you don’t experience any pain while your dentist is working.
Your mouth will require several weeks to heal.
Eventually, you’ll have to come back for a follow-up appointment to acquire your prosthetic. Your dentist will check that the device fits your oral dimensions and that your bite pattern is normal too.
You’ll need to let your mouth heal once again from the insertion of the prosthetic. Be sure to give yourself some grace as well, as it will take a bit of time and patience to get used to eating and talking with dentures or a dental bridge.
Book an Appointment with our Dental Team Today!
Are you ready to kick start your dental journey and receive dental implants in Fort Saskatchewan? At Fort Smiles Dental, restoring and improving smiles is what we do because we firmly believe that everyone has the right to a beautiful, functioning smile.
For more information, give us a call, go to our website, or stop by our location to talk to one of our staff members. We’ll see you very soon!