Are you getting dental implants? Dental implants are used to replace missing or damaged teeth that can’t be saved. They are the highest quality dental prosthetic available.
If you have an upcoming procedure to receive one or more dental implants, you may be wondering what to expect. Learn everything you need to know from this patient’s guide to the dental implant procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the natural tooth root. It is shaped like a screw with ridges around it to help it fuse with your jawbone. It is surgically placed in the socket where a tooth is missing. The implant forms a solid bond with the bone of your jaw that can last for a lifetime. A crown is attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for getting a dental implant involves the following steps:
- Consultation. The first step in any dental procedure is a consultation to discuss the procedure and what it entails. Your dentist will explain the procedure and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
- Evaluation. The next step is an evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. It is necessary to have sufficient bone structure in your jaw to support an implant and good oral health overall. If a tooth has been missing for a long time, there is a good chance that the jaw bone has weakened and possibly dissolved in the absence of a tooth, meaning a dental implant would not be successful.
- Preparation. If you are not yet a good candidate for a dental implant, there are preparatory procedures that can make it possible, such as bone grafting to make up for lost bone tissue in the jaw. This will need to be done a few months before a dental implant can be placed to give the bone time to regenerate.
- Implant placement. When the jaw bone is ready to receive it, the dental implant can be surgically placed in the socket. This procedure can be done with local anesthesia in most cases, but sedation is available if you feel it would help you to be more comfortable. The gum tissue will be placed back over the implant, and you may receive a few sutures.
- Attaching the abutment. After the gum tissue has healed, usually in a few weeks, the abutment can be attached to the implant. This is the post that extends above the gum tissue and is used to attach the crown.
- Attaching the crown. The gum tissue will need a few more weeks to heal before the crown can be placed. Once the crown is attached to the abutment, your dental implant restoration is complete.
The Process for Implant Supported Bridges and Dentures
Multiple dental implants can be placed in the jaw to support a bridge or dentures. The process is slightly different depending on the type of prosthetic you need.
- Implant supported bridge. For an implant supported bridge, the process is similar to the placement of a single dental implant, except that you will most likely receive two dental implants, one for each end of the bridge. The dental implants provide support for the bridge that replaces a few teeth in a row.
- Implant supported dentures. In the case of implant supported dentures, anywhere from 4-6 dental implants will be placed in the jaw to support a complete set of dentures. Your dentures may be fixed or removable.
Why Choose Dental Wellness Team?
Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option, but their success depends greatly on accurate placement. Dental Wellness Team has the experience and technology to place dental implants with the necessary precision for a functional, natural looking restoration.
To learn more, call 954-796-3355 or contact us to schedule an appointment.