Needing to have a tooth replaced can be an unfortunate situation to find yourself facing. For those that are concerned about needing to use dentures or bridges, dental implants can present an excellent option. These implants are installed directly in the jaw, which makes them a permanent solution to this unsightly problem. If you have never seriously considered getting an implant, you might benefit from having some questions about this procedure answered.

What Are The Requirements For A Patient To Receive Dental Implants?

As with many other surgical procedures, there are minimum health requirements that the patient will need to meet in order to qualify for this procedure. In particular, it is necessary for the gums to be healthy. If a patient is suffering from severe gum disease or other issues, the condition will need to be treated prior to the implant being installed. When the health of the gums is compromised, they may be unable to provide the needed support to the implant. For this reason, it is important to follow the guidelines set by your dentist so that this condition can heal as quickly as possible so that your implant can be installed.

What Is Recovering From Getting Dental Implants Like?

The recovery from a dental implant procedure can be somewhat lengthy as the implant will need several weeks to months to fully bond to the bones in the jaw. However, many patients will find that they are able to return to their normal routine after only a couple of days. To help you be confident and comfortable during the bonding process, your dentist may install a temporary crown over the implant to help provide you with the appearance and functionality of a tooth. At the end of the bonding process, this crown will be removed and the permanent artificial tooth will be installed.

Do Dental Implants Require Special Care To Keep Them Free Of Issues?

It can be easy for patients to assume that they will need to undergoing regular care with their dental implants to keep them safe from problems, such as discoloration and decay. However, it should be noted that these implants are not susceptible to these problems. However, it will still be necessary for you to have your teeth professionally cleaned. It can be possible for bacteria and tartar to gather on the artificial tooth. By having the teeth cleaned, you can ensure that these substances are removed before they contribute to decay forming on your natural teeth or the development of gum disease.