At Mountain West Dental, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to properly care for your dental implant. A comprehensive understanding of the implications of missing teeth is essential for managing optimal oral health and function, the steps involved in getting a dental implant, and how to care for your new implant to ensure its longevity.

Effects of a Missing Tooth

When a tooth is lost, it’s crucial to consider replacing it to maintain your oral health. Here’s why:

• Teeth Positioning: Immediately after losing a tooth, the surrounding teeth may drift out of position, leading to a change in your bite. If the tooth is not replaced, this misalignment can cause issues with chewing and speaking.
• Increased Stress on Teeth and Jaw: Missing teeth can place undue stress on your remaining teeth and jaw joints, potentially leading to discomfort and further dental issues.
• Difficulty in Cleaning: Teeth that have shifted are more complicated to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Bone Loss: Tooth loss can initiate alveolar bone resorption around the missing area, affecting the overall structure of your jaw.
• Aesthetic Concerns: A missing tooth can affect appearance, confidence, and self-esteem.

Understanding Your Dental Implant

A dental implant is fabricated to function like a natural tooth, providing aesthetic and functional benefits. Implants are artificial titanium anchors placed into the jawbone where they replace the missing tooth root. Over time, the bone grows around the implant, making it a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

Steps of Placing an Implant:

• Implant Placement: Implant placement involves surgically inserting a titanium post into the jawbone. Some swelling and tenderness are expected after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend pain medication and a soft diet during the initial healing period.
• Healing Process: Osseointegration, where the bone integrates with the implant, is critical for the implant’s strength and stability. This process may take several months, depending on the type of implant and its placement. Some patients may receive a temporary option for esthetics during this time.
• Replacing Your Missing Tooth: A customized dental crown is affixed to the implant once healing is complete. This crown is fabricated to replicate the natural tooth’s morphology and shade, ensuring aesthetic harmony.

Are You a Good Candidate for an Implant?

Most individuals in good health with sufficient jawbones can receive a dental implant. However, factors such as chronic illnesses, tobacco use, and bone loss may affect your eligibility. If you’ve experienced bone loss, pre-implant bone augmentation may be necessary to establish adequate bone volume.

Caring for Your Dental Implant

Optimal implant longevity is contingent upon diligent patient care:

• Oral Hygiene: Keep the area around your implant clean. Your dentist may recommend using an interproximal brush or mouth rinse to prevent gum problems as part of your post-implant care.
• Product Selection: Choose oral care products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. These products meet ADA safety and effectiveness standards and help keep your implant area healthy.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to Mountain West Dental are essential for monitoring the implant and peri-implant tissues. Ongoing care is crucial for long-term success and should be integral to your post-tooth implant care routine.
• Occlusal Guard: Dental implants are extremely durable. They feel and act very similarly to your natural teeth. Nonetheless, after you get dental implants, you’ll want to make every effort to protect them. Mountain West Dental strongly recommends a custom night guard for dental implants to protect against damage.

Schedule Your Follow-Up at Mountain West Dental

Please contact us if you have any questions or need further guidance on dental implant aftercare. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your follow-up appointment at Mountain West Dental today to ensure the ongoing success of your implant and to discuss any concerns about the tooth implant healing time.