A dental implant procedure replaces tooth roots with metal posts and missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones. Dental implants provide support for your replacement teeth. The process is performed in stages and may require many dental visits. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you must learn more about the procedure.
How the surgery is performed depends on a variety of factors including the condition of a patient’s jawbone and the type of implant. The process may involve many procedures and it takes months because of the healing time between them. Sometimes treatment can take a single day. Several important steps determine the success of the procedure.
This is the first step of the procedure. The oral surgeon will examine the mouth of a patient and take X-rays or 3D images. This will help determine that a patient is in good health and to locate where the implant will be placed. The surgeon will then talk to a patient about the different implant options and develop a plan for the surgery.
The oral surgeon will surgically place the dental implant into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Not all patients have the same experience, but most people experience little discomfort and pain. If a patient has some swelling or tenderness after surgery, the oral surgeon may prescribe pain relief medicine to help ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter medications also manage any pain.
As a patient heals, the jawbone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This process makes the implant strong and creates a solid foundation for the replacement tooth. It can take several months for the implant to integrate into the bone. Depending on the choice of a patient, the surgeon may place temporary replacement teeth.
Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, an abutment, a small connector, is attached to the dental implant. The replacement tooth will eventually attach to it. Sometimes, the implant and the connector can be placed in one visit. This means a person would not need more surgery to place it.
If a patient is replacing a single tooth, the oral surgeon will custom-make an artificial tooth. This new tooth, also called a dental crown, will look like the other teeth. Dentures and implant-supported bridges are also custom-made to resemble natural teeth and to fit the mouth. The replacement tooth will be attached to the implant post.
The whole process can take several months. It depends on the type and the number of implants and replacement teeth a person will receive. A patient should visit an oral surgeon regularly for follow-up checkups. Periodic checkups can help ensure the long-term success of a dental implant. The surgeon may also suggest a home-care routine.
The entire dental implant process usually takes a long time and involves many steps. A lot of time is devoted to healing and waiting for the jawbone to grow. Combining some steps is possible depending on the situation of an individual. Talk with your oral surgeon about dental implants. The surgeon can help you decide if they are good for you.
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