What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant?

Studies show that dental implants remain the gold standard in dental restorations. These dental replacements are the most stable ones that you can get. It may be invasive, but once it heals well, you will have good dental function again. Here are the details about the process of getting dental implants.

The assessment

The dentist will examine the patient’s mouth first. Doing so can determine the full condition of the jawbone. This can then help the dentist decide which implant procedure will help the patient the most. The dentist may order dental impressions and X-rays. It is also important to match the color of the artificial crowns to the neighboring natural teeth.

Additional planning may happen to see how many teeth will need dental implants. Discussing the patient’s medications and health conditions is also important. Some patients may need to take antibiotics before implant surgery. This can protect them from infections.

Possible dental extraction

The dentist may remove the remaining teeth in the mouth if these teeth have severe decay. The extraction can happen on the day the individual gets dental implants. Inserting the dental implants can happen right after the dentist pulls out the tooth. This allows the dental socket to heal as the titanium rod merges with the gums and jawbone.

Using a local anesthetic is necessary for extracting the tooth. The area will be numb. The patient will not feel any pain. Pulling the tooth will not take time at all. If it is a broken tooth, the dentist may take a little longer. There will be some pressure and mild tugging.

Some bleeding will happen after the extraction. The dentist will place sterile gauze on the area. Biting down on it can help put pressure on the extraction site. This can stop the bleeding. Follow the dentist’s instructions on caring for the extraction and implant site.

Bone grafting and titanium rod placement

The dentist will check if the patient’s jawbone is thick. If it is not, a bone graft is necessary to thicken the area. The surgery for dental implants will begin after complete healing. By this time, the jawbone will be strong enough to support the titanium rods.

If the jawbone is strong enough, there will be no need for a bone grafting procedure. The implant surgery can begin right away. Jawbone thickness and strength are important. Chewing and biting involve significant pressure.

The jawbone needs to support the titanium rods while performing these activities. Healing will involve the merging of the rods with the jawbone and gum tissue. Recovery varies from person to person. It may take three to nine months for this process to complete.

Placement of abutments

The abutments for the dental implants will come next once these titanium rods are stable enough. These are pieces that will connect the dental crown to the titanium rods. The dentist will tighten the abutments so that they remain steady while the individual eats or speaks. There will be a small amount of pressure. This process will not be painful, but the patient will get a local anesthetic. The dentist will place healing caps over the abutments as they heal.

Attachment of the permanent dental crowns

The dentist will call the patient back after the gums heal completely. Choosing a permanent or removable dental implant is necessary. Multiple teeth in the back will be functional again. Removable implants are easier to clean or even replace if they break.