Getting dental implants is a permanent way to replace missing teeth, but it is a process that isn’t completed overnight. Knowing what steps to expect can help you to prepare for your dental implant surgery, and a dentist that offers consultation will give you a treatment plan that outlines each stage of your procedure. In this article, we will outline the tooth implant process, step by step, to help you prepare.
Every Patient Is Unique
Each dental implant surgery is contingent on the needs of the patient, and the exact sequence that is followed may differ slightly between patients. You will be given a treatment plan and cost estimate after you get a consultation at your local dental clinic. It will take your medical history and risk factors into account and detail each step to be followed to replace your missing teeth.
So What Could Your Tooth Implant Process Look Like?
Tooth extraction
Some patients need to have a decayed tooth extracted before their dental implant is placed. If you need a tooth extraction, your tooth implant process could be delayed for approximately 10 weeks while your gum tissue heals.
Bone grafting
Other patients may have been missing a tooth for a while. This often leads to bone resorption, which means your jaw may not be strong enough to support dental implants. If this is the case, your tooth implant process may begin with a bone grafting procedure to encourage bone growth in your jaw. You would need to wait a few months before you can proceed with dental implants.
Dental implant surgery: placing the dental implants
Once your jaw is strong enough, you will visit your dentist to have the dental implant placed. This is done in a surgical procedure under local anaesthetic. Your dentist will cut through your gum tissue to access the bone below. Small holes will be drilled into your jaw, and the dental implants will be screwed into position. The incisions are then stitched up, and you will undergo a healing period of around three months before you can progress to the next stage.
During this healing period, the dental implants need to be integrated with your jaw. They have small holes in them, which allow the jaw to incorporate them. This process of osseointegration is what makes the dental implant procedure permanent. The success of your procedure depends on the success of this process.
Placing the abutment
When your dentist is satisfied that osseointegration has taken place, you will return to the practice to have the abutment connected. This is a connection piece between the dental implant and the dental crown. In order to perform this stage, your dentist must reopen the surgical site to access the implant. Once the surgical sites have been closed up, you will go through another healing period.
Placing your dental crown
The final stage in your dental implant process is the placement of the dental crown. This is the visible part of your restoration, that you and other people will be able to see. Your dentist will match its size, shape, and colour as close to your natural teeth as possible. Once the procedure is complete, you will be able to bite and chew with no food restrictions and enjoy the full functionality of your tooth.
How Do You Know If Tooth Implants Are Right For You?
In order to be considered a candidate for implant surgery, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as
- Have a fully formed jaw
- Have sufficient jaw or be willing to undergo a bone graft
- Being a non-smoker
- Not suffering from any unmanaged chronic health condition
Understanding The Risks Of Tooth Implants
Just like any other surgery, getting a tooth implant does carry some risks.
These will be explained to you in your consultation, but it’s a good idea to be familiar with them.
Some of the potential risks include
An infection at the implant site
Not smoking and keeping your mouth clean can help to alleviate some of this risk.
Damage or injury to the adjacent teeth or surrounding nerves
This is why it’s so important to work with a skilled and experienced dentist.
Sinus problems
If one of the implants penetrates your sinus cavity, it can lead to sinus issues. Good planning can help to avoid this.
It’s always a good idea to go to your dental consultation with questions so you can leave feeling informed and confident. To find out more about the tooth implant process or to book a dental consultation near you, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 8203 8760.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Tooth Implant Procedure: All You Need to Know
https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/tooth-implant-procedure-all-you-need-to-know
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