Thanks to the media, today, we all are informed of dental hygiene’s importance. Even with exceptional dental care that has been developed recently, many people experience tooth loss. Missing teeth is normal when you are a child, but when you are an adult, it is no longer considered to be normal. As stated by North York Dental Implants specialists, 70% of adults between 35 to 45 have at least one missing tooth. In the past, people the only option at hand was dental bridges and dentures. But today, we are witnessing a tremendous revolution in dentistry: dental implants. The success rate of this procedure has made dental implants to become worldwide.
Dental Implant Parts
Generally, dental implants consist of three parts: implant, abutment, crown.
- Dental implants, also called fixtures, is a screw-shaped metal that is placed in your gums. It seems frightening, right? Don’t worry; the procedure isn’t as intimidating as you think. The dental surgeon cuts a small part of your gum in order to insert the implants into your jawbones. This screw-like metal will attach to your jawbones to form roots. Depending on many factors, this process might take several weeks.
- Abutments; is also a small screw-shaped metal- usually titanium and, in few cases, zirconium that acts function as a connector between dental implants and dental crowns. You have to bear in mind that abutments are not just connectors, but they also will help your gums to maintain aesthetic aspects. Careful considerations must be taken into account while choosing the material for abutments; because they take an important role in the strength and appearance of your gums.
- Dental crowns; after the abutment is screwed to dental implants fixedly, your surgeon will place a temporary crown on the abutment. Usually, it takes 4-6 weeks for gums to heal completely. Temporary dental crowns are not as firm as permanent dental crowns, but they help implants to remain intact while chewing. During this time, your dentist will start making a permanent dental crown, which usually takes 2- weeks.
Dental Implants Aftercare Instructions
If you desire dental implants to have a high success rate, it is essential to follow aftercare instructions precisely. Without a doubt, your dentist will be there for you before and after surgery to give you full consultation. However, there are some general aftercare instructions that you have to follow:
- Diet; the most important point is that you should avoid hot food and drink. Your gum tissues need to heal completely, so you would better not disturb them with hot food. It is also necessary to prevent solid food. Start by eating soft foods like soup, and then little by little, you are allowed to ad solid food to your diet. Dental implant specialists usually advise eating solid food after 4-5 days.
- Activity; you must not do any sort of heavy activity. It’s true that dental implants only involve your mouth, but that doesn’t give you the permission to start working out right away. Doing heavy activities such as going to the gym will increase bleeding, swelling. Just relax and take a rest at least 4-5 days after dental implant surgery.
- Smoking; whatever you do, just don’t go near nicotine! We are not going to lecture you on how harmful smoking is, but you have to notice that smoking will negatively affect the results. It will delay the healing process and increase infection.