Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. The dental implant procedure can seem complicated, but it has a high success rate of 95%. dental implant recovery time and side effects vary, but the overall process is usually easy.
There are three main stages of dental implant surgery: placement, osseointegration, and abutment.
Placement is the first stage of dental implant surgery. This involves placing the implants into the jawbone. The implants will then need to fuse with the bone, which is a process called osseointegration. This can take several months.
After the implants have fused with the bone, the next stage is to place the abutment. This is a small connector piece that will hold the dental prosthesis (false tooth) in place. The abutment is placed on top of the implant and then the false tooth is attached to the abutment.
The entire implants healing process can take several months, but it is worth it for the long-term results. Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant fuses with the bone and acts as a new root for the tooth. A dental prosthesis (false tooth) is then attached to the implant.
Dental implants are a popular choice for those who are missing one or more teeth. They offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. In addition, dental implants can help to preserve the jawbone and prevent further tooth loss.
The dental implant procedure is usually performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist (gum specialist). The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, but Sedation Dentistry is an option for those who are anxious about the procedure.
The first stage of dental implant surgery is to place the implants into the jawbone. This is done through small incisions in the gum. The implants will then need to fuse with the bone, which is a process called osseointegration. This can take several months.
After the implants have fused with the bone, the next stage is to place the abutment. This is a small connector piece that will hold the dental prosthesis (false tooth) in place. The abutment is placed on top of the implant and then the false tooth is attached to the abutment.
First Step: The Consultation
The first step in getting dental implants is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will complete a full physical, determine how many implants you require, and make a recommendation for surgery.
If you have healthy gums, the surrounding teeth are healthy, and your dentist is happy with your bone density, then they will work with you to schedule a date for your dental implant.
If your dentist finds a problem that would be detrimental to the success of a dental implant, there are ways to ensure your jaw and mouth are healthy enough.
For example, if you have periodontitis (gum disease), you will need to undergo dental treatment to improve your oral health before having dental implants. This may involve deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgery.
Bone Graft:
Another common issue is insufficient bone density. This can be a problem if you have had tooth loss for an extended period of time. The jawbone will start to shrink when there are no teeth roots in place. This can make it difficult to place dental implants.
If you have insufficient bone density, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is a procedure where the bone is taken from another area of your body and transplanted to the jawbone. This will provide a solid foundation for dental implants.
The bone grafting procedure is usually done at the same time as the implant surgery. However, in some cases, the bone graft may be done before implant surgery.
Tooth Extraction:
If you have one or more decaying teeth surrounding the dental implant area, your dentist may decide to extract them before proceeding with the dental implant procedure. For simple extractions, your dentist will use a local anesthetic, whilst more complicated surgeries might require general anesthesia.
Healing time for tooth extraction is usually around 1-2 weeks. Follow your dentist’s instructions, but you’ll likely need to eat soft foods, take over-the-counter pain medication as needed, and refrain from drinking with straws for at least 48 hours.
Second Procedure: Placing the Abutment
Once the implant has fused with the bone, you will need to have a second surgery to place the abutment. This is a simple surgery that is done under local anesthesia.
During this procedure, the gum will be opened up so that the abutment can be placed on top of the implant. The gum will then be stitched closed.
It will take a few weeks for the gum’s bone to heal around the abutment. Once healing is complete, you will need to return to the dentist so that they can take an impression of your mouth.
This impression will be used to create your dental prosthesis (false tooth). The false tooth will be attached to the abutment.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort after the surgery to place the abutment. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with this.
It will take a few weeks for the gum to heal around the abutment. Once healing is complete, you will need to return to the dentist so that they can take an impression of your mouth.
Third Procedure: Attaching the Prosthesis
The final step in the dental implant process is attaching the prosthesis (false tooth). This is done under local anesthesia.
During this procedure, the dentist will open up the gum to access the abutment. They will then place the false tooth onto the abutment and secure it in place.
The gum will be stitched closed around the base of the false tooth.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort after this surgery. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with this.
It will take a few weeks for the gum to heal around the false tooth. Once healing is complete, you will have a new, natural-looking tooth!
