2 Key Pointers to be Aware of as You Consider Dental Implants

Have you finally decided to pluck up the courage to deal with those few missing or damaged teeth you’ve been hiding? If so, you may already have visited your local prosthodontist, and a dental implant procedure seems to be the most viable option.

In these instances, your dental specialist will decide between all-on-4 dental implants or the all-on-x option. We take a quick look at what these procedures are. Our team also highlight the easy ways you can prepare for your procedure to ensure long-term success.

Understanding What Dental Implants Are

Modern dental technology has made it easier than ever to repair or replace missing or damaged teeth. While the thought of replacing all your broken teeth may seem a little far-fetched, the good news is that there’s a long-term solution in the form of dental implants.

Unlike partial or temporary dentures, dental implants are a more effective long-term solution for adults with healthy gums and jawbones. As the name suggests, dental implants are teeth that are permanently implanted into the mouth. These implants can be referred to as “all-on-4” or “all-on-x” procedures.

Here’s how they differ:

All-on-4: If you have significant tooth loss or decay on one side of your mouth (called an arch), you may be a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure. In this instance, four titanium posts are implanted into a single arch. A bridge of crowns is then placed over the posts, which form the foundation for your new, permanent teeth.

All-on-X: More extensive tooth damage may require additional titanium posts. When this is the case, an undetermined number of posts need to be implanted and are then referred to as an “All-on-X”. The number of posts you need will depend on factors such as your bone and gum health, as well as the number of missing teeth you have.

A Quick Look at How the Dental Implant Process Works

Typically, adults with decayed, broken, missing, crooked, or weak teeth are ideal candidates for the dental implant process. It’s imperative to stress that these implants can only be done for people with strong bone health.

This is because the implant needs to settle into the bones. Weaker bones will be brittle and cause what is commonly referred to as implant failure. Here’s a brief look at how the procedure works:

Visit your prosthodontist when you have more than four broken teeth in the same arch.

A complete assessment will be done of your overall health to determine if you can handle the required surgery.

Your teeth, gums, and oral health will also be checked to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

During surgery, your prosthodontist will screw the required posterior implants into your gums.

Once the implants start healing, a temporary bridge will be inserted over the titanium posts. Healing depends on your health and overall dental maintenance.

Prepare for Your Dental Procedure to Prevent Implant Failure

No matter which of the dental procedures you are going to have, there will always be a certain amount of pre-op preparation. While this preparation may vary depending on your specific needs, there are a few general guidelines to expect. We’ve listed the most common of these to give you an idea of what you should expect.

Ditch Your Tobacco Habits

Few people know this, but tobacco products are harmful to teeth, gums and can affect overall healing after surgery. The key reason for this is that nicotine and other harsh chemicals found in cigarettes are well known for weakening bones. Weaker bones mean the posts are less likely to fuse into the bones and settle. This leads to implant failure.

Your prosthodontist will advise you to stop using all tobacco products at least two weeks before and after your procedure. Ideally, you should consider ditching the tobacco altogether, as this will reduce the likelihood of long-term implant issues.

Be Upfront With Your Medical History and Medications

As we’ve already mentioned, not everyone qualifies for a dental implant procedure. In addition to poor oral health, other medical conditions such as hypertension, heart conditions, and diabetes can affect the rate at which your body heals after surgery. Keep in mind that you will be implanting a minimum of four teeth at once; the procedure is quite invasive.

Furthermore, some prescription medications can also contradict any new ones you may have to take after the surgery. Avoid all these issues by discussing your comprehensive medical history with your prosthodontist. This includes all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, as well as past and present medical conditions. Remember that dental surgery isn’t just about your teeth, but also affects your overall health.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants are one of the more effective procedures to consider when you’re looking to replace more than a few teeth. Knowing what to expect will make the preparation process so much easier to adjust to. The good news is that a few weeks of discomfort will leave you with a new set of teeth that not only improves functionality but also looks amazing!
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