Traditional Technique</H3> <P>A traditional dental implant technique is used when a patient has a good jawbone density. The person should also be qualified for an endosteal implant, which is directly placed into the jawbone.</P> <P>In this procedure, the crown is connected to the abutment. Then, it is attached on top of the titanium screw, which is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone. This will take several weeks to heal, and the dentist will require the person to take pain relievers and eat soft food.</P> <P> </P> <H3>Alternative Techniques</H3> <P>Some patients may not have a healthy jawbone, have other preferences, or may not be qualified to have an endosteal implant. It’s a good thing that there are alternative techniques. They may help improve or shorten the procedure and the healing process. Here are some of them:</P> <H4>Mini Dental Implants</H4> <P>These are a smaller version of the traditional ones, close to the size of a toothpick. This implant is used when the dentist needs to stabilize a lower denture in the patient’s mouth.</P> <P>This is also less invasive compared to the standard-sized implants. However, this implant can’t be used as a substitute for normal implants since it’s not durable enough to withstand mastication.</P> <H4>Immediate Load Implant (ILI)</H4> <P>ILI is a technique developed by doctors in response to the patients’ demand for faster treatment. An ILI procedure is done in a single day. Unlike in the traditional technique, the dentist won’t wait for at least two months before placing the crown.</P> <P>In this technique, the doctor will immediately attach a temporary tooth onto the implant once it is inserted. This temporary tooth will eventually be replaced with a long-term crown after the surgery.</P> <H4>All-on-4 Implants</H4> <P>This is a good choice for people who lost all or most of their upper and lower teeth since it replaces an entire set of teeth using only four implant posts. This features specialized abutments that enable the doctor to place a temporary set of teeth.</P> <P>Like ILIs, these can also be done in one day. The temporary set of teeth can be good for approximately six months. After that, it will be replaced with a permanent dental bridge of teeth.</P> <P> </P> <H3>Consult Your Dentist Today</H3> <P>Dental implants are a reliable solution for missing tooth restoration. Having a dentist from Affordable Smiles who specializes in this area can help you learn which technique is best for you. We can also guide you through the process.</P> <P>We make sure that we only give our patients quality <A href="/dental-implants-guide/">tooth implant procedure</A> while considering their preferences. Consult one of our doctors today!
This operation involves many factors to ensure every patient gets the right dental implants for them. As such, the timeline ranges from 5 to 10 months, depending on every patient’s needs. The time frame might be longer for others if the tooth was extracted due to infection as the roots need to heal first. For an overview, listed below are the steps in a dental implant procedure.</P> <H3>Initial Examination</H3> <P>This is the stage where your dentist initially examines your dental health to understand its overall condition. It involves reviewing your medical history for any underlying conditions like cancer or diabetes that may affect your recovery. X-rays and scans are also part of this process, as your jawbone structure needs to be checked for your dentist to formulate a suitable treatment plan.</P> <H3>Surgery and Bone Fusion</H3> <P>Bone fusion is done by placing a titanium implant in the area of the missing tooth or teeth. This typically lasts from one to two hours for every implant. Afterward, your dentist will tell you to wait for three to six months to allow your implants to integrate into the jawbone, otherwise known as osseointegration. These will serve as the roots for your artificial teeth.</P> <H3>Abutment Placement</H3> <P>After your gums and jawbone have healed, the dentist will place an abutment on the implant. An abutment is a socket-shaped element that will connect the implant to your dental crown. This is a less invasive yet crucial procedure as it is responsible for holding your artificial teeth in place. Once that’s done, you will have to wait around two to six weeks for your gums to heal. This will also serve as the time for the dentist to create your custom-fitted crown.</P> <H3>Crown Attachment</H3> <P>This is the final stage of the overall implant procedure. It involves attaching your ceramic crown or artificial teeth using dental cement to the upper end of the abutment. At this point, your dentist will check your bite and the appearance of your teeth to ensure that everything is aligned correctly.</P> <H3>Consult Your Dentist</H3> <P>In general, the timeline for an implant procedure differs for every patient. So, for answers to questions like, “how long does it take to get a dental implant?” it’s better to consult a local dentist. Contact Affordable Smiles for more information about <A href="https://affordablesmilesdental.com/services/dental-implants/">dental implants</A>. Our dental offices in Hammond, Gretna, and Baton Rouge are equipped with experts ready to assist you.
How Is It Done?</STRONG></H3> <P>A bone graft for dental implants can be done in different ways depending on the patient’s condition. But essentially, the basic procedure is similar for all, where a surgeon starts with an incision in the patient’s jaw where the bone will be grafted. After that, the patient needs to wait for four to six months for their gums and jawbone to heal before the implant surgery.</P> <P>In some cases, both dental surgeries can take place in one day if the patient only needs a minor graft. But keep in mind, this decision depends on what your dentist thinks is best. There are four kinds of bone grafts depending on where the material is sourced:</P> <UL> <LI>Autograft – This is referred to as the “gold standard” of bone grafting in which the bone is obtained from a part of your body like your hip, chin, or shin.</LI> <LI>Xenografts – This type of bone graft is acquired from an animal like a cow or a pig.</LI> <LI>Alloplastic Grafts – This is another form of bone grafting in which the bone is made of synthetic materials like calcium phosphate.</LI> <LI>Allografts – This graft involves collecting the bone from another person, like a deceased donor free of diseases.</LI> </UL> <H3><STRONG>Trust Your Dentist</STRONG></H3> <P>The longevity of your implant relies on the strength of your jawbone. As such, a bone graft for dental implants is an operation you don’t need to worry about, especially with trusted experts at Affordable Smiles that will take care of you. For details about other procedures involving dental implants, call us at (833) 308-0599. You can also visit our dental offices in Gretna, Hammond, and Baton Rouge.
When To Eat Normally</H3> <P>It usually takes three to six months before it’s safe for patients to eat normally after implant surgery. This is mainly because they need to avoid any extensive movement of their mouths that might affect the osseointegration process. On top of that, it takes time for your teeth, gums, and jawbone to fully recover, especially in the first few days, so it’s harder to eat.</P> <P>As such, in the first 24 hours after your surgery, patients are advised to consume only cold drinks and food to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. These include smoothies, milkshakes, applesauce, fruit juices, and cold soups.</P> <H3>What To Eat After My Surgery</H3> <P>Once you are more comfortable eating, stick to a soft food diet since it doesn’t require much chewing. Some examples are eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, oatmeal, and yogurt. You can also slowly integrate meat, chicken, and fish into your diet and chop them into smaller pieces. Aside from that, you must always stay hydrated as it helps compensate for your limited food intake.</P> <P>You should also avoid eating spicy food, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drinking from a straw. This is because your gums are still vulnerable, and the sucking motion from a straw can cause bleeding.</P> <H3>Turn to Experts</H3> <P>Following a dental implant recovery diet is only temporary, and it will all be worth it once you’ve fully recovered from the surgery. If you would like to learn more about <A href="https://affordablesmilesdental.com/services/dental-implants/">dental implants</A>, visit Affordable Smiles. Our dental offices in Metairie, Gretna, Hammond, Baton Rouge, and Gulfport are always open to answer any queries you have. Contact us to book an appointment today!
Myth 1: Dental Implants Are a Waste of Money</H3> <P>Dental implants are not a waste of money because they’re a long-lasting solution for tooth loss. In other words, your implant screws will last a lifetime, while the crown or artificial teeth attached to them take 10 to 15 years until they need to be replaced. They also maintain your jawbone structure to prevent any changes to your face shape and reduce the impact of tooth loss in your natural speech.</P> <P>Moreover, unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, so they don’t need replacement or maintenance. They only require the same amount of care as your natural teeth, like regular brushing and flossing as well as a dental check-up and cleaning every six months.</P> <H3>Myth 2: Dental Implants Don’t Look Natural</H3> <P>The crowns attached to your dental implants function as your artificial teeth. They are designed to imitate your natural teeth’s color and shape, so you don’t need to worry about their appearance because your prosthodontist will ensure that your crowns blend naturally.</P> <H3>Myth 3: Dental Implant Surgery Is Painful</H3> <P>The surgical procedure of placing a dental implant is not painful because it’s performed with either general or local anesthesia. It numbs the mouth so that the patient will not feel any pain throughout the operation, even as the dental surgeon creates an incision to your gums. Although the anesthesia wears off after the surgery, the patient will only experience some mild discomfort, which is temporary and manageable.</P> <H3>Listen to Your Dentist</H3> <P>If you hear other myths about dental implants, always ask your dentist to verify or clarify these claims. In that way, you are equipped with the right information that will help you understand the entire process. For more information about <A href="https://affordablesmilesdental.com/services/dental-implants/">dental implants</A>, contact Affordable Smiles. Our dental specialists at our offices in Gretna, Hammond, Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Gulfport are more than willing to answer your questions. Contact us today!
Thankfully, there are now more options available for tooth replacement, like getting single a dental implant or removable partial denture for one tooth. To know which of these is suitable for your condition, needs, and lifestyle, here are some of the things you should know about them:</P> <H3><STRONG>Removable Partial Denture</STRONG></H3> <P>A removable partial denture is for people who prefer a non-invasive, detachable replacement for their missing natural tooth or set of teeth. Many people also go for it because of its affordability.</P> <P>The artificial teeth are typically made of porcelain, acrylic resin, or porcelain resin, attached to a gum-colored base. Its framework may vary depending on every patient’s needs. Some use metal clasps that clip around the teeth, while others have precision attachments. The latter is designed to fit tightly against the tooth, giving the partial dentures a more secure fit.</P> <P>When wearing removable partial dentures, just make sure to clean them properly to prevent plaque buildup that may lead to cavities and gingivitis. Also, wearing dentures may feel weird at first so, you’ll need some time to get used to it.</P> <H3><STRONG>Single Dental Implants</STRONG></H3> <P>Meanwhile, the procedure for single dental implants involves installing a titanium post into the jawbone, so it’s a minimally-invasive procedure. The post will act as the tooth root for which the crown or the artificial tooth will be attached.</P> <P>As dental implant procedures require surgery, it is only ideal for those with oral and overall health conditions fit for operation. These are people that have adequate bones in the jaw and those without problems like diabetes, cancer, and blood clotting disorders.</P> <P>Implants are fixed replacements for your teeth. As such, its benefits include having a stable foundation that reduces the risk of slipping from your mouth when eating or talking. The implants can also last for an average of 25 years, while the crown will take 10 to 15 years to need a replacement.</P> <H3><STRONG>Talk to Your Dentist</STRONG></H3> <P>Both a removable partial denture for one tooth and a single dental implant provides an array of benefits that make them good options for tooth replacements. To know if <A href="https://affordablesmilesdental.com/services/dentures/">partial dentures</A> are a suitable treatment for you, call our dentists at Affordable Smiles. Our experts in Hammond, Gretna, Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Gulfport are always ready to assist you.
A knocked-out tooth</LI> <LI>Broken dental braces</LI> <LI>Abscess in your gums</LI> <LI>A sudden and unbearable toothache</LI> <LI>A lost filling or dental crown</LI> </UL> <P>These issues involve bleeding, swelling, and pain, which are all uncomfortable and unbearable. So, you should be aware of what to do in a dental emergency. This will help not only in ensuring their safety but also in preventing it from getting worse. Here are some of the things you can do.</P> <H3><STRONG>Clean It and Apply a Cold Compress</STRONG></H3> <P>After that, clean the area by gargling warm water with salt. This is a good first aid measure to prevent infection from bacteria. If there’s pain and swelling in that part of their mouth, apply a cold compress. It’s important to use a cold compress as it constricts the blood vessels to reduce swelling in that area. This will help in temporarily relieving the pain while calling for assistance.</P> <H3><STRONG>Put a Gauze or Cotton Ball</STRONG></H3> <P>In some cases, the emergency may involve severe bleeding. To control it, put gauze or a clean cloth in the area while gently applying pressure. Alternatively, you can also apply cold compress to the cheek that’s near the affected area for around five to 10 minutes. It will allow a clot to develop that will stop the bleeding.</P> <P>Meanwhile, if the issue involves loose wires or bands from your orthodontics, you can simply put a cotton ball in that area. This will prevent wires sticking out from scratching or poking your mouth until your orthodontist fixes it.</P> <H3><STRONG>Store Tooth Properly</STRONG></H3> <P>Some accidents may involve a missing or knocked-out tooth caused by trauma or injury. In this scenario, it is crucial to retrieve the fallen tooth and store it properly. Rinse it to remove the dirt and place it in a container with milk or water with a bit of salt. Make sure to bring it immediately to your dentist, as they need to put it back in place within an hour to increase the chances of reattaching it.</P> <H3><STRONG>Call for Help </STRONG></H3> <P>It’s important to know what to do in a dental emergency because of the urgency of the situation. You should also know where to go and ask for help if these things happen. For assistance from an <A href="https://affordablesmilesdental.com/services/emergency-dental-care/">emergency dentist</A>, call Affordable Smiles. We have dental offices in Metairie, Hammond, Gretna, Baton Rouge, and Gulfport.