Wondering if dental implants are right for you? They might be.
Dentists use implants to replace a tooth or several teeth. You may want an implant if your teeth are damaged or don’t fit right in your mouth. Implants might also be a good choice if you’ve lost several teeth and your gums keep shrinking away.
Over the years, dental implants have gotten better and easier to use. If you’re ready to try one, you may be wondering about your dental implant procedure.
Keep reading to learn about what to expect.
Preparation for a Dental Implant
When it comes to getting prepared for dental implant surgery, it is important to understand the expectations and process involved. Your dentist will typically meet with you beforehand to discuss the procedure.
They will assess the area surrounding the missing teeth. They will also evaluate the general health of your teeth and gums, and take x-rays. You will also be informed of any risks or possible side effects associated with the implant and anesthetics used.
Additionally, you may need to take medication to prevent infection, get local anesthesia, and receive instructions on how to manage any pain afterward. Depending on the location of your dental implant, you may need to see a specialist for some of the preparation. Dental implants give you a beautiful smile, however, you must understand the dental implant stages to be prepared.
The Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the first step in the dental implant procedure. For most patients, tooth extraction can be a stressful experience. It is important to talk with your dentist ahead of time to ensure that you understand the process and what to expect.
Generally, you will be sedated during the procedure with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Depending on the difficulty of the extraction, you may need to have intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia. Your dentist will then remove the problematic tooth with special dental instruments.
They may need to cut it into smaller parts if it is severely impacted or fractured. You can expect some bleeding and a bit of discomfort during this portion of the procedure. Your dentist may provide you with an antiseptic rinse or gauze to help reduce the bleeding and reduce the risk of infection.
Insert the Dental Implant and Bone Grafting
Getting started with dental implants can feel overwhelming at first. For a successful dental implant and bone grafting procedure, you need to prepare yourself. After the tooth removal, the next dental implant step is inserting the implant and bone grafting.
During the insertion of the implant and bone grafting procedure, the dentist will prepare and shape the bone sites to secure the implant, and then attach the implant device to the bone. This process can be done with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your dentist’s recommendation.
To help ensure success, you must follow your dentist’s instructions about all pre-and post-op care for the implant. With proper care, your dentist can give you a beautiful smile with a dental implant that could last a lifetime.
Abutment Placement
Abutment placement is a crucial dental implant step. This step, sometimes referred to as the abutment transfer, involves the placement of the abutment – a small post that serves as the anchor point for your dental implant crown or bridge.
This step is done in conjunction with the surgery which was done to place the implant in the jawbone. The abutment is painstakingly cored into position, ensuring that not only is the implant properly centered, but also that the foundation for your replacement tooth is secure and stable.
Adding the Permanent Crown
Getting started on your dental implant procedure is the first step to a permanent, confident smile. This procedure begins by surgically placing the dental implant, which will act as a replacement for your tooth root. After the implant is secured beneath the gums, it will heal and fuse with the bone in your jaw.
Once this process is complete, your dentist will attach a post and crown. This of which will function like your natural tooth. When adding the permanent crown, your dentist will select a material that closely matches the color of your adjacent teeth.
The permanent crown will then be placed over the post and secured with a strong adhesive to ensure long-term success.
After Surgery Care
After-surgery care is the last of the dental implant stages. It’s important to get plenty of rest and to ensure that you are taking any prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics only as prescribed. It’s also important to consume a diet of soft, nutritious foods to ensure proper healing and nutrition.
After the surgery is complete, you will have a follow-up visit with your dental professional to discuss the healing process. During this visit, your dentist will do a full examination.
You will likely receive X-rays to ensure that the dental implant is properly healing. Depending on the type of implant, you may be required to brush and floss around the implant area for proper hygiene.
Also, it’s important to avoid any hard or crunchy foods that could damage the implant or affect the healing process. Following this dental implant guide will help to ensure that your implant is properly healing and functioning as intended.
Get a Dental Implant Procedure Today
Your dental implant procedure will be a successful experience for both you and your dental specialist. You can expect a comfortable and rewarding experience that will provide you with beautiful, long-lasting facial features. Just always remember to follow the dental implant guide to avoid any oral complications.
Now is the time to take the next step and talk to your dentist about dental implants. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider today and get the smile you’ve always wanted!
If you want to read more articles, follow our daily blog post.
