Dental implants are among the most long-lasting and trusted solutions for missing teeth. They are medical devices inserted surgically into the jaw to enhance your appearance and restore your ability to chew. Dr. Matthew Anderson is a leading Santa Rosa dentist who ensures you get the perfect smile with the transformative power of full dental implants.
Statista.com reports that approximately 3,742 patients visit a dentist every year in the United States. Annual dental checkups are essential as they help identify oral issues and solve them before they worsen.
Whether you have several or just one missing tooth, full dental implants will help restore a natural look and provide function and stability.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny metal posts made of titanium that act as artificial roots to support replacement teeth, such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. Compared to removable dentures, implants sit in place and don’t move around or slip.
Some of the benefits of dental implants include the following:
Improved Oral Health
Losing a tooth leaves a gap that’s likely to lead to future oral health issues. Dental implants support the health of your jawbone by offering the same kind of stimulation as natural teeth. This solution helps reduce the risk of bone loss, which is common with conventional dentures.
Additionally, dental implants, unlike bridges, don’t require patients to grind down healthy teeth to support replacement teeth. The remaining natural teeth aren’t altered, so they remain healthier and stronger. It helps in reducing the risk of damage or decay to adjacent teeth.
Long Lasting
When properly taken care of and by following the required oral routine, you can have your implants for a lifetime. Dental implants are biocompatible, meaning the body doesn’t reject them, and they are non-toxic. Furthermore, since most implants are made of titanium, they integrate seamlessly with the jawbone, making them powerful replacement teeth.
Prevent Premature Aging and Facial Sagging
Facial sagging is among the most unpleasant effects of bone loss caused by losing teeth. This sagging occurs when the lower third of your face begins to collapse, gradually closing the distance between your chin and the tip of your nose.
Some of the changes that can make you look much older than you actually are include the following:
- A more pointed chin
- Thinning lips
- Excess wrinkles, especially around the mouth
Replacing the missing teeth with dental implants prevents facial sagging and, in turn, premature aging.
What’s the Procedure for Fitting a Dental Implant?
The dental implant process takes around 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant and approximately three hours for multiple implants. A Sonoma County dentist will advise you on the number of appointments you’ll need to attend and the time required for each.
Before surgery, the dentist will administer antibiotics and either nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to enhance comfort. Dr. Matthew Anderson will discuss these options with you, including the cost of full implants, during your consultation appointment. You will then receive a local anesthetic to numb the section where the surgeon intends to place the dental implant.
Once you’re comfortable, the dental expert makes a tiny incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone. He then creates sufficient space using specialized instruments and inserts the titanium implant gently. Usually, you’ll be able to see the top of the implant through the gum.
During the initial stages of healing, the dental implant is much safer and covered by the gum tissue.
What’s the Healing Process After a Full Dental Implant Surgery?
The quantity and quality of bone will determine how long it will take for your dental implant to heal fully. In some instances, implants heal almost immediately after placement. The dentist will advise on the proper dental implant maintenance, which includes the following:
- Brushing twice a day with a gentle electric or soft-bristle manual toothbrush.
- Using specially designed implant floss, floss threaders, or unwaxed floss to remove plaque and food particles daily.
- Going for regular dental checkups twice a year or as recommended by your dentist.
- Not eating hard foods like nuts, unpopped popcorn kernels, and ice.
After the first phase of healing, the dentist will place a healing cap or a support post on the dental implant to provide access to the implant and allow the gum tissue to mature. It’s normal to experience slight bleeding, swelling of the jaw or cheeks, and moderate or mild pain close to the implant site.
Placing ice packs covered with cloth around the site will help reduce swelling. You may also take over-the-counter pain medications to help soothe the pain unless otherwise advised by your oral surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Painful to Get Full Dental Implants?
Getting a full set of dental implants is a painless procedure that has a high success rate. You may experience mild discomfort afterwards, which can be easily managed with an over-the-counter, basic painkiller. Tenderness and swelling may linger for about 2 or 3 days, after which they subside, and you no longer need to take pain relievers.
At what Age Is it Not Advisable to Get Dental Implants?
There isn’t any age that’s considered too old to get dental implants. You should only have sufficient bone quantity and quality and be in good health. Older adults in their 90s, 80s, and 70s can get full dental implants and lead high-quality lives.
When Should You Not Get Dental Implants?
You should avoid or delay dental implant treatment when certain conditions increase the risk of complications or failure. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Heavy alcohol and tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene or gum disease
- Systemic or active oral infections
- Uncontrolled medical conditions that can interfere with healing
Get the Best Full Dental Implants at Mathew Anderson, DMD, MSD
Living with missing teeth interferes with your confidence, speech, nutrition, and overall quality of life. With full dental implants, you get the most functional and natural-looking tooth replacement.
At Matther Anderson, DMD, MSD, we have a team of experienced Sonoma County dentists who provide the highest-quality dental care throughout your entire dental journey. We have customized appointment options, treatment rooms, and accessible offices for patients with anxiety and other chronic conditions.
Contact us today to take your first step towards a natural-looking, functional smile.