Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or their appearance. They provide support for artificial (fake) teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. When a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, defective speech, or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant Georgetown KY can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and health.
Composition
Dental implant Georgetown KY systems consist of a dental implant body and dental implant abutment and may also include an abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically inserted in the jawbone in place of the tooth’s root. The dental implant abutment is usually attached to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw and extends through gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth.
Age Limit
The minimum age for dental implant Georgetown KY is typically 18, and there’s no upper limit. The main requirement is that you have enough healthy bone in your jaw. Your dentist is the only person who can tell you whether you’re a candidate. Dental implants last longer than alternative treatments (like bridges and dentures). With brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime.
Healing Period
Initial healing takes about one week. But it takes anywhere from three to nine months for your jawbone to fuse around the implant (a process called osseointegration). This process stabilizes your implant so you can use it just like a natural tooth. Your provider will check on your progress every few weeks. Once the implant heals, it’s safe to add the restoration (crown, bridge or denture).
Pain Management
You shouldn’t feel any pain during your dental implant Georgetown KY procedure because your provider will use medication to numb your gums. After your surgery, it’s normal to have slight discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help ease these symptoms.
Dental Implant Surgery
During dental implant surgery, your surgeon will:
Give you anesthesia. This medication will numb your gums. If you choose sedation, your provider will give you those medications, as well.
Create an incision. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
Prepare your jaw. Your surgeon will use a series of specialized instruments to create a small hole in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right size for your new dental implant.
Place the dental implant. Next, your surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
Close the incisions. Finally, your surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.
