Can Dental Implants Be Done In One Day?
If you have damaged or missing teeth, you may be interested in receiving dental implants. Dental implants are sturdy, attractive appliances that function like natural teeth.
Patients often ask whether oral surgeons can place dental implants in one day. The answer is yes: dental implant surgery takes only one day. If you need extractions or bone grafts before placing your implants, these will need completion in advance.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants comprise a titanium post, a stainless steel abutment, and a crown or denture. The oral surgeon surgically implants the post, which screws into a small opening in the jaw bone. They add the abutment and crown or denture to complete the restoration.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Long-Lasting
Dental implants may last a lifetime if you care for them properly. Caring for your implants involves the same process as looking after your natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for all recommended appointments.
Natural Appearance
Today's dental implants feel, look, and act like natural teeth. Unless you tell someone you have an implant, they can unlikely distinguish it from a natural tooth.
Prevent Bone Loss
Implants keep the jaw bone healthy and strong. Without the stimulation from chewing, the jaw bone around missing teeth declines by 25% of its volume in the first year alone. Bone loss leads to a "sunken" face, which can rapidly age your appearance.
Keep Other Teeth Stable
If you have a missing tooth, your remaining natural teeth will likely drift into new positions. Moving teeth can disrupt your dental bite, interfere with your chewing ability, and affect your appearance. The longer you leave a gap alone, the more likely you will have complications from misaligned teeth.
Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Missing teeth can trap food and bacteria. This issue can lead to persistent gum disease and tooth decay.
Receiving A Dental Implant
After any necessary tooth extraction sites and bone grafts have healed, the oral surgeon can proceed with the dental implant process. They make a small opening in the gum to expose the bone and insert the post and abutment.
The oral surgeon can place the final restoration after the implant bonds with the jaw bone, which can take a few months. You can choose from a crown or a denture, depending on how many teeth need replacement.
Tips for Success With Dental Implants
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Use antibacterial alcohol-free mouthwash
- Avoid hard foods that could damage your denture or crown, as well as chewing non-food objects like ice
Call Braasch OMS
Dental implants can restore your appearance and ability to chew and your quality of life. Call our Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984 for more information on how we can help you regain your self-confidence and complete your smile.