Understanding the Steps of a Dental Implants Procedure

With a biocompatible titanium post and a tooth cap, the dental implant procedure replaces one or more missing teeth. Apart from replacing a few teeth, dental implants can also support dental bridges and full-arch dentures.

How your dentist performs your dental implant surgery depends on the type of implant and condition of your jawbone. There are many types of tooth implants including regular ones, all-on-4s, and all-on-x implants.

When Are You Eligible for Dental Implant Surgery

Since a dental implant placement procedure requires surgery, your dentist will consider some factors before proceeding with the procedure. For your dentist to clear you as eligible for the implant surgery, you should attain the following:

• Have one or more missing permanent teeth
• A fully-grown jawbone
• Have adequate jawbone or eligible for a bone graft
• Health oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that may affect bone healing
• Willing to commit several months for the process
• Don’t use tobacco products

The Steps

A successful dental implant procedure requires several months and multiple dental appointments with your dentist. Each step requires at least one appointment with your dentist.

Preparation

Because tooth implants procedure requires more than one surgery, you will require a thorough evaluation for preparation.

While preparing for the surgery, your dentist will carry out a comprehensive dental exam that includes physical exams, dental x-rays, and impressions.

The dentist can also review your medical history to reduce the risk of complications during surgery. If you have orthopedic implants or certain heart conditions, your dentist will recommend some antibiotics before the implants procedure.

With the help of the comprehensive dental exams and medical history review, your dentist will be able to create a custom treatment plan for you. Therefore, if you require bone grafting, the dentist will recommend the grafting procedure before the tooth implant surgery. The bone graft can be donated, prosthetic, or removed from another part on your body.

Placement Procedure

During the procedure, your dentist at Pleasure dental uses either local or general anesthesia. In some cases, your dentist can use sedation techniques to make you feel more comfortable during the procedure, especially if you are under local anesthesia.

The dentist then makes incisions on your gum at the site of placement. After cutting and making space for the implant in the jawbone, your dentist will place the titanium post and leave it to fuse with the bone.

During the recovery period, the implant integrates with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. The process might require several months to recover.

Placing the Abutment

You might need another minor surgery after osseointegration. The surgery is for placing a pole on which the crown is attached. Sometimes, your dentist can place the abutment with the implant.

The abutment shows over the gum line but only with an open mouth. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will give up to two weeks for recovery, then place the tooth cap. The tooth cap or crown can either be fixed or removable.

Results and maintenance

After a successful dental implant procedure, your smile improves as well as your bite. Also, the risk of bone degradation reduces. With proper maintenance, the results of a tooth implant procedure can last for a long time.

Your dental work and the other natural teeth will remain healthy and strong if you do the following:

• Practice good oral hygiene. A good oral hygiene routine involves brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and regular dental cleanings by your oral hygienist.
• Avoid habits that cause damage. When you have tooth implants, you should avoid chewing on hard objects that can break your tooth cap or your natural teeth. To maintain their natural color, avoid teeth staining products such as tobacco. You can also seek treatment if you grit your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. To ensure that your implants are intact and strong, you need to go for regular check-ups at the dentist’s office. The dentist will check for any potential problems and correct them early.

Take-Away

Before proceeding to get tooth implants, it is advisable to discuss your preferences with you’re a dentist an determine if implants are the best option for you. Also, if you feel uncomfortable during dental procedures, you should alert your dentist to develop a treatment plan that is comfortable for you.