If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implant surgery could be the solution. Artificial implants mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, improving your oral health and smile. To help you decide if this procedure is right for you, Lyle C.Yanagihara, DDS, MS, an oral surgeon in Honolulu, HI, provides the following guide.

How Do Implants Work?

Dental implant surgery involves a few different components. The implant is made from metal, often titanium, and affixed directly into the jaw bone. After the implant successfully fuses with the bone, the implant is topped with an abutment, which houses the artificial tooth or crown.

Who Is Eligible for This Treatment?

Because the implant fuses directly with your bone, your jaw must be healthy enough to support it. If you lack the proper amount of tissue, your doctor may recommend a bone graft first or on occasion at the time of implant placement to ensure an adequate volume of bone surrounds the implant.  The implant requires bone support when under function. 

How Can I Care For Implants?

After surgery, recovery is similar to a tooth extraction.  Some patients feel the postoperative discomfort after an implant is much less than a tooth extraction.  To avoid damaging the healing implant, eat soft foods while recovering. Soft meaning nothing harder than scrambled eggs.  If you eat hard foods, make sure it is not chewed over the implant site.  If you receive prescription pain medication or antibiotics, take them according to the doctor’s orders.

Missing teeth not only cause aesthetic issues, but also further dental problems down the line. Lyle C.Yanagihara, DDS, MS, has the expertise to assess your current state of health and offer treatments to restore your smile. His practice provides a variety of oral surgery solutions, including corrective jaw surgery and wisdom tooth extraction. Visit the website to learn more about dental implant surgery, and call (808) 973-1433 today to schedule an appointment.