Advanced Solutions for Missing Teeth: The Process of Getting Tooth Implants

According to the National Institutes of Health, 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. If you are one of these people, you might be thinking about turning to tooth implants, but you may not be sure what the process will be like. 

Learn what to expect when getting tooth implants and why mini dental implants are the preferred solution for missing teeth. 

What Are Tooth Implants?

Tooth implants, also called dental implants, are dental devices fitted into your jaw or gum that restore your ability to chew and improve the appearance of your smile. These thin titanium posts or screws function like a tooth’s root to support a crown or replacement tooth. 

Mini dental implants function in the same way as standard dental implants but are smaller. They consist of only one piece and do not require drilling a large hole in the jaw. 

Getting Tooth Implants

The process begins with a consultation, where you will share your oral health history and provide a list of any medications you take. 

At our center, Dr. Harvey Chin will examine your mouth to ensure that a tooth implant is the right choice. He will also use CBCT technology to get an accurate scan of your mouth. 

Because these procedures are surgical, you will also need to be in good overall health.  

If we think you are a good candidate, we will take X-rays and decide where the implants will go. 

Preparing for the Procedure

To prepare for tooth implants, you will need to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for a few days, including:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Fish oil
• Vitamin E

We’ll also ask you to stop drinking alcohol for a day or two before your appointment to make the healing process easier. Since you will receive some form of anesthesia or sedative, it is a good idea to have someone with you to take you home after the procedure. 

The Tooth Implant Procedure

We begin the process at our state-of-the-art facilities by numbing your gum and jaw so that you are comfortable. For mini dental implants, it is not necessary to drill a large hole to fit the implant into place. 

Once Dr. Chin secures the tooth implant, he will add the replacement tooth. Since we don’t have to cut into your gums, there are no sutures to worry about. 

Recovering from Tooth Implants

The recovery process takes a couple of days. You can use over-the-counter painkillers that are not blood thinners as you recover, as well as ice packs. Avoid sticky or hard foods so that you do not dislodge the implant as it settles into place, and do not do any strenuous exercise. 

You should be able to get back to your routine after two or three days. 

Turn to the Experts for Tooth Implants

Losing a tooth can make it more difficult to eat and talk, and it can even affect your jawbone’s health. By choosing a long-lasting procedure like tooth implants, you can get full use of your bite again. 

At Vegas Dental Experts, we offer mini dental implants to restore your smile. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.