What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants can bring back stability and aesthetic value to your mouth. Losing at least one tooth can affect your appearance. It can also affect the way you interact with other people. Getting implants is a big decision. That is why you need to know what the procedure entails. Here are the things you should expect when getting dental implants.

The assessment

The dentist will assess the patient’s mouth first. This can help determine the true condition of the patient’s teeth, gum, and jawbone health. The dentist will order dental X-rays. Taking dental impressions and matching the color of the dental crowns will follow. These steps are important in providing a natural look.

Assessing the patient’s mouth will also determine how many teeth need replacements. The patient will inform the dentist how many implants the patient wants to have. Some implants will take additional planning with other dental health providers. The patient must discuss current medications and medical conditions. Taking antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infections.

The extraction

Teeth with severe damage will need replacements. The process will start by extracting these teeth. Removing the damaged teeth will clear the dental spaces. The dentist can then slice through the gum tissue and drill implant sockets for the titanium rods. Implanting the rods is possible during this step.

The patient and dentist will talk about the right anesthesia and sedation options. A local anesthetic will numb the implant areas. It will make the procedure painless. Removing the teeth will not take long.

There will be some pulling and pressure during the extraction. After this procedure, the patient must rest well. Sipping through a straw, blowing one’s nose, and smoking may prevent proper healing. Leaving the extraction sites alone is necessary for the patient’s full recovery.

The insertion of the rods

If the jawbone is healthy and strong, the dentist will place the titanium rods right away. A strong jawbone is important in supporting the rods. Some patients do not have thick jawbones. In this case, the patient will need bone grafting first. The dentist will place some healthy bone tissue on the areas of the jawbone that need them.

Once the patient’s jawbone heals after bone grafting, the patient will return to the clinic. Implanting the rods will follow. The dentist will stitch the gum tissue over the rods. This will help encourage healing. The fusion of the rods with the jawbone will take about three to nine months, depending on the patient’s ability to heal.

The abutment placement

After complete healing, the dentist will place the titanium abutment. The dentist will provide a local anesthetic first and then cut through the top of the rods and attach the abutment. Stitching the gum tissue around the abutment will help the area to heal. Recovering from this part of the procedure will take about two weeks.

The abutments will connect the dental crowns to the rods. This step will complete the placement of the dental implants. The dentist will tighten the abutments to stabilize them. This is important for chewing and biting.

The crown placement

The dentist will attach the crown or artificial tooth to each abutment. A crown can either be permanent or removable. Having many dental implants in the back of the mouth will need removable crowns for easy cleaning and replacements. Permanent crowns are often cemented or glued to the abutments.