Did you know that more and more adults are getting dental implants as a way to avoid wearing traditional dentures?
While it’s true a dental implant isn’t a miracle cure-all, it can be the perfect treatment for an individual tooth that could benefit from the stability that the implant provides.
If you’re considering having a single tooth repaired with an implant, you might be wondering what exactly the procedure entails.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about a single tooth dental implant procedure.
Pre Operation Procedure for Single Tooth Dental Implant
What is a single tooth dental implant in the first place?
Dental implants are abutments fixed into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. The jawbone will fuse around them, making it firm enough to support chewing forces. But, a single-tooth dental implant is a replacement for a tooth lost by trauma or decay.
But before taking a procedure, you must meet the primary conditions required for dental implants. You will undergo a thorough physical and dental examination to evaluate your health. The processes may include a series of steps.
First will be a thorough dental examination. It involves creating dental X-rays, 3D photographs, and models of your teeth and jaw for analysis.
Next is to plan an exact treatment strategy. This customized approach takes into account several important things. These are the teeth you need replacing, the state of your jawbone, and the remaining teeth.
The doctor would like to ask you a few questions about your medical history. Please share any medications or supplements you’re currently taking with the doctor. Your doctor might recommend that you take antibiotics before surgery. They can help you get well without infection by lowering the risks of problems during surgery like high blood pressure or an orthopedic implant.
A detailed discussion with the dentist about your medical history and any allergies is also necessary. You will receive instructions on preparing, such as avoiding certain medications before the procedure. Dentists will also help you decide how and when to get a dental implant.
Actual Surgical Procedure for Single Tooth Dental Implant
Once finished with the evaluation and check-up, you will finally get a nod for the implant surgical procedure. Your dentist or dental surgeon will guide you through each process.
Anesthetics Application
Placing implants is a surgical method that involves opening the gums, roots, and jawbone. This would need the application of anesthetics before the surgery to cause numbness and alleviate possible pain. Through this, you will find the procedure painless and comfortable.
Anesthetics can range from the topical types that provide a numbing effect when applied to the area around the implant. Or it can be an intravenous (IV) anesthetic that will ensure the patient is fully sedated or numb during the procedure.
The approach is typically very straightforward, with minimal discomfort. And if the patient experience moderate pain following the process, analgesics can also be provided.
As with any procedure, it is necessary to talk to a dental professional about any anesthesia that may be required. Ask questions beforehand if the patient is still determining what to expect.
Removal of Remaining Tooth Residue
The area where to place the implant must be free of any portions or residue of the decayed tooth. Thus, the dentist may need to pull out if remains are found.
Using a combination of special dental instruments, such as dental forceps, the dentist may gently remove any large chunks of your broken tooth’s root. Using a dental drill, he may also pull out any scaly or decaying material.
Next, the dentist may need to create additional space in your bone tissue to help ensure that the implant will fit properly. The dentist may use a small drill or laser to make the space during this step.
Once the tooth debris has been effectively removed, you are ready to receive the dental implant.
Insertion of the Implant Material
This is the most crucial part of the process.
An oral surgeon will need to cut open your gums and roots to get a view of the jawbone. A surgical drill will then bore through the bone to provide the insertion point for the metal implant.
Positioning the implant must be vertically and horizontally accurate. The metal implant will then be inserted deep into the slot leaving only its top part exposed. An abutment that will support a false or prosthetic tooth will then be connected to the exposed end of the implant.
Bone Grafting
Implants need a strong and thick jawbone to support them. A bone graft may also be needed during the implant process if the jawbone surrounding your implant is weak or thin. The method involves taking bone from another area and placing it into your jawbone to strengthen and ensure the implant is secure.
But with this, longer healing time is needed for the bone graft and the jawbone. They need to fuse and hold firmly onto the implant.
Post-Operational Procedures for Single Tooth Dental Implant
After the surgery, allow 4 to 6 months for the jawbone to fuse and bond with the implant. Once the implant is strong enough, it will be fitted with a titanium abutment on top. This screw-like mechanism will act as a mounting post for a prosthetic tooth or crown.
A crown or false tooth will then be attached permanently to the abutment using dental glue or cement. Made of porcelain, the crown will act as your permanent teeth, ready for biting and chewing. Any time of the day.
You can expect to enjoy improved oral health and a natural-looking replacement tooth. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last decades. Since implants are considered permanent, the best way to clean them is by brushing them.
Follow-up visits and dental check-ups will ensure that the implant is healing properly. Accessibility to a preferred dentist is important, like how I chose the dental office open near me.
Get Ready for a New Tooth and a Natural Smile
May this overview help you to understand how dental implants work. At the same time, alleviate your fears of dentists or any dental procedures.
Choose the best dentist you can trust and get an implant anytime soon. Do not lose your opportunity to put a smile back on your face. Let a single tooth dental implant do wonders.
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