The Dental Implant Procedure: Everything You Need To Know

There are several reasons you might be thinking of getting a tooth replacement. Fortunately, there are also several options available to you. One of those options is getting a dental implant. This is a safe and reliable way of restoring your smile with a natural-looking prosthesis. If you plan to get a dental implant, it’s crucial to find the right dentist. Apart from that, you must also have a plan for what comes next. Here’s what you need to know about the dental implant procedure.

What Is a Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant procedure is an outpatient procedure that involves inserting an artificial tooth root. The inserted titanium implant bonds with your jawbone, enabling the dentist to place a replacement tooth, otherwise known as the crown. Dental implants are made to feel, appear, and function like your original teeth. Getting a dental implant requires at least three visits to your dentist. The first visit is a consultation, the second is a surgery to insert the implant, and the last is a visit where the new tooth is attached.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two primary types of dental implants. The first is an endosteal implant, which is the most common one. An endosteal implant resembles a small screw that’s made using body-safe materials like titanium. Endosteal implants are inserted by a dentist deep into the jawbone. This type of implant mimics the roots of your natural teeth. A single implant can be used as an anchor for one or more teeth.

The second type of dental implant is known as the subperiosteal implant. This implant is only an option if you don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant. A subperiosteal implant is inserted under the gum, but it’s not drilled into the jawbone. Instead, it’s placed on the bone or above it.

Reasons for Getting Dental Implants

There are several reasons why you might consider getting a dental implant. The most obvious reason is to replace a missing tooth. While there are several options for tooth replacement, an implant can be considered superior in many ways. For instance, they don’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage. Furthermore, the materials used to make dental implants don’t decay the way your teeth can, which usually compromises regular bridgework.

Dental implants can replace one or more teeth lost due to gum disease, injury, tooth decay, or infection. You and your doctor will discuss several tooth-replacement options during your initial consultation, including dentures and bridges. If you opt for an implant, the doctor will look at your medical history and current oral health to see if you are eligible.

Some of the things the dentist will look at include whether you have enough space and bone around the missing tooth area. If you lost your tooth a while ago, you might have bone loss. To correct the bone loss, your dentist can carry out a bone graft.

In general, you might consider getting an implant if you:

• Have one or several missing teeth
• Are not willing or unable to use dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Have healthy oral tissues and a fully mature jawbone
• Have enough bone to support the implant
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Cases Where The Dental Implant Procedure May Not be Recommended

There are some instances where it won’t be possible for one to get a dental implant. For instance, children may not be eligible for an implant procedure until their jaw growth and development is complete. Apart from that, people suffering from chronic conditions that interfere with healing, like diabetes or leukemia, may not be suitable candidates for the dental implant procedure. The dental implant procedure is also not recommended for people who smoke because smoking can also interfere with the healing process.

What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure

If you are an eligible candidate for a dental implant, your doctor will give you a breakdown of how the procedure will be done. In most instances, the dentist will first place the titanium implant and give it several months to heal before attaching the crown. However, they can insert the implant and attach the crown on the same visit in some cases.

Before the doctor inserts the titanium implant, they will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. They may also sedate you so that you don’t experience any discomfort or pain. The dentist will then make a cut into your gums to place the implant into the jawbone where the crown is to be attached. Once that’s done, they will close the gums over the implant.

After the implant is placed, you will be able to go back home on the same day. However, it will take some time for the bone to grow around the implant, securing it in place so the crown can be attached. This is what’s known as osseointegration. This process is usually completed in about six months. After the healing period, the dentist will examine to ensure that the implant is secure. Then, they will install an abutment, which is the piece that connects the implant to the new tooth. The final phase involves the attachment of the crown or new tooth to the abutment.

Recovery

If the implant procedure is done under sedation, you may feel a bit dizzy for several hours. As such, you must have someone take you home once the procedure is done. It’s common to experience bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain after the implant is placed. Dentists usually advise that you stick to cold foods, soft foods, and warm soup during the healing process. They may also suggest over-the-counter pain medications to manage the pain. It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions closely so that nothing interferes with the healing process.

It’s crucial to understand how the dental implant procedure works to decide if it’s the perfect option for you. Most people go for this option because dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. You can increase the lifespan of your dental implant by practicing proper oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits. Failure to properly take care of your implant can result in implant failure.

Contact our office in Sugarland, Texas today for more information or if you have any additional questions.