From initial consultation to the day of the surgery, knowing what to expect with your upcoming dental implant procedure is important. We want you to feel completely well-informed in the process of getting dental implants so you can be comfortable with each step. Understanding the process will also help you to ask the right questions at your consultation appointment.
Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth or teeth that need to be extracted. Weakened teeth that are no longer viable, teeth that have fallen out due to injury or extremely decayed teeth can all be replaced with a dental implant.
For patients who are missing multiple or all of their teeth, dental implants are an option. In combination with bridges or prosthetic rows of teeth, implants can be used to replace many missing teeth.
Get to know all the steps of the process before getting a dental implant placed.
At the very initial appointment, the dentist will first perform a full examination, visual and otherwise. X-rays will be used to determine a few key factors: the health of the mouth, that there is enough jawbone left for successful implant placement and to track the progress of any existing teeth issues.
At this appointment, the dentist will discuss the wishes of the patient, such as how they want their implant restoration to look. If there is only one tooth to replace, patients usually choose a ceramic crown as they are the most lifelike restoration. Patients missing multiple teeth may opt for a bridge or other type of prosthesis. A detailed treatment plan complete with restoration options will be tailored to each case.
At the consultation, the dentist will also take a look at the medical history of the patient. If the patient has any kind of health issue, it might interfere with successful implant placement. If it is determined that there is not enough bone density in the jaw to place the implant, the dentist may recommend a grafting procedure prior to the implant surgery.
Once the dentist has given the go ahead and all parameters have been set, the first appointment will be scheduled. Before any procedure begins, the oral surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to make sure the patient does not feel any pain during the operation. If the tooth in question needs to be removed, it will be done at this appointment.
Then comes the placement of the dental implant. First, the oral surgeon will make a small incision to open the gums and expose the jawbone. Holes are strategically drilled into the bone where the implant post (this part acts as the new tooth roots) will be placed. The post is then inserted into the bone.
Depending on the complexity of the extraction and/or implant surgery, expect this appointment to take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Most patients will be able to drive home from their implant procedure, as a local anesthetic is usually used rather than a general anesthetic.
After a period of months determined by the oral surgeon that is usually no longer than 9 months, the post has fused with the bone. At this point, the abutment is ready to be placed. The gums are opened once again, and the abutment is secured on top of the metal post, just above the gumline. Next, an impression will be made of the teeth to make the custom restoration.
The gums will need to heal around the newly placed abutment. This usually takes about 2 weeks. At this time, the permanent restoration will be ready for placement.
Shopping around for tooth replacement options can be dizzying. Let us help you on your way to a completed smile. Give our office a call today to set up a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
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