Dental Implants 101: The Only Guide You Need

Nov 01, 2020

Statistics show that nearly 6.4% of the Canadian population has no teeth at all. Nearly 6% of Canadians suffer from untreated cavities. Plus, another 21% of the population is struggling with gum disease. When these two conditions, cavities and gum disease, are not treated, they result in tooth decay. Currently, these are the leading causes of tooth loss among the adult population.

But thanks to modern dentistry, we have a plethora of options that can restore your smile in no time. Among the options that our dentist near you offers, dental implants in Calgary, AB, are the gold standard of teeth replacement. Ever since they were introduced in the market, some decades ago, they have transformed countless smiles.

Might be you have heard a thing or two about implants, and probably you are asking how risky it is to take up a dental implant surgery or even what you have to eat the first six months after getting dental implant near me. If this is the case, let’s get to know more.

Understanding Dental Implants

You have heard implants being referred to as teeth replacements, there is nothing wrong, but technically they are root replacements. This is because what is known as an implant is a titanium screw-like post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. Hence, they replace the tooth root.

Dental implants in Calgary, AB, give you the chance to replace your entire tooth, from the root to the crown, a feature that is unique to them. For this to be possible, implants have three distinct parts: a titanium post, an abutment or connector that links the implant to the prosthesis, and the dental prosthesis.

How Do You Get Dental Implants?

Here’s what you can expect when you come to our dental clinic, Northwest Prosthodontics Clinic:

First, our dentist has to ascertain whether you are the right candidate for dental implants.
After the examination, our dentist will insert the implant with the aid of surgical-guided technology.
Your bone will be given time to heal, typically three months or so.
Following this period, you can come in and get the custom-made crowns, dentures, or bridge that can be connected to the abutment. Just like that, your smile is restored.

Dental Implant Maintenance

Taking care of your implants is no different from taking care of your natural teeth. Implants should be kept clean twice a day by brushing and flossing, especially after meals. It would be best if you gave special attention to all sides of the implant.

A soft brush, low-abrasive, tartar-controlling toothpaste, and dental floss are all that you need to keep the implant plaque-free. It won’t hurt if you invest in an antimicrobial mouth rinse, inter-dental brushes for removing plaque between teeth.

What Can You Eat Post-Surgery?

Every patient is different, meaning that people heal differently. However, here’s a rough guide to when and what you can eat:

During the first 24 hours, avoid hot foods and go for lukewarm soups, yogurt, pureed potatoes, and shakes. Do not use a straw when drinking shakes.
During the first week, you need to eat foods that aid in healing, such as pasta, soft fish, spinach, and soft fruits.
For the next three to six months, avoid any crunchy foods such as nuts and boiled sweets.
After osseointegration, anything goes.

What Are Some of the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

You must be wondering what some of the dental implant pros and cons are, so here they are:

Pros

They look and feel like natural teeth.
They can last a lifetime.
You can eat and chew easily.
They prevent bone loss.
Implants are easy to look after.
They are cost-effective in the long-term as compared to the other solutions.

Cons

You have to meet the requirements.
The process can be lengthy.
The initial cost can be high as compared to other options.
There is a slim chance that implants can fail.

After getting an implant, your smile will be as good as new. You can contact our dentist at Northwest Prosthodontics Clinic if you need implants. In our dental implant clinic near you, we also serve patients from Brentwood, Varsity, Airdrie, Nose Hill Park, and the University of Calgary.

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