Dental implant surgery might be right for you if you have lost a tooth in an accident. Millions of people are in car accidents every year and sometimes, it is the teeth that are the unlikely victim. With a sudden jerk of the head, it is easy for the mouth to collide with the steering wheel or something else in the vehicle, causing a tooth to be knocked out.
If this happens, it is important to replace that tooth as quickly as possible to prevent resorption (bone loss) and permanent changes to a person's appearance. While dentures are certainly an option, they are a removable solution that does not act or feel like natural teeth. Fortunately, an implant feels completely natural.
What is a dental implant?
This is typically a small titanium post that is inserted under the gum line and secured to the jawbone. This is done with dental implant surgery.
What is the process like?
The patient is put to sleep during the surgery so that nothing is felt. A post is inserted with the utmost care by an oral surgeon or dental professional. Afterward, the gums will be sutured, the area packed with gauze and the patient will be sent home to rest and recover. There is going to be some swelling and discomfort for a couple days after the procedure. However, this should be mild enough to control using ibuprofen and a cold compress.
Why is the implant so secure?
Anyone who is looking into dental implant surgery has probably heard how secure dental implants are. In fact, they are the most secure way to replace missing teeth. Through osseointegration, the implant will become one with the bone once secured in place.
The body reacts to titanium as if it were naturally occurring material. Therefore, once the post is inserted in the jawbone, the body will begin to deposit bone around it. This essentially fuses the post in place and makes it act like a natural tooth root would. By the time a new tooth is secured to the implant, it will remain securely in place due to this process.
Why is dental implant surgery ideal for accident victims?
Dental implants are an ideal option for anyone who has suffered tooth loss due to an accident or other means. Accident victims who have suffered damage to their face or jaw and need corrective surgery may find that having implants placed as part of that process is the best way to restore their appearance and the functionality of their teeth to a pre-accident state. After all, once the dental implant restoration is complete, it will look and behave like a natural tooth.
Learn more about this option
We encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation and examination. We can use the opportunity to determine if this is the right procedure for replacing your teeth and also to answer any questions that you may have about the process.
Recent Posts
Small dental implants are a unique alternative to traditional dental implants. They are quickly becoming more popular and are more often recommended by dentists for patients who seek teeth replacement. It is helpful to understand exactly what small dental implants are in order to decide if they are right for you.The best way to determine…
Using Botox® for TMJ disorder is a common practice that more and more dental professionals are implementing into their TMJ disorder treatment plans. Many are surprised to learn that TMJ specialists are considered dental professionals, however, they happen to correlate and there is a lot of crossover between dentistry and treating TMJ disorders.The use of…
Your oral surgeon will recommend the right oral surgery for your needs. Each treatment corrects a specific issue and can enhance your oral health in different ways. Knowing these procedures can prepare you well for the next visits. Here are the common oral surgery procedures and how they can benefit you.The oral surgeon will recommend…
Dental implants are the gold standard of dental replacements. Titanium rods and porcelain crowns are the most stable dental replacements you can get. Once osseointegration ends, you will have a strong, stunning smile again. Knowing the advantages of dental implants can motivate you to see your dentist about getting these restorations. Here are the three…