Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They look and function like natural teeth and can improve chewing and speech.
A dentist or health practitioner will determine whether dental implants are suitable for you. They will consider your medical history and lifestyle habits, especially smoking.
A patient who smokes can have problems with healing after surgery. They may also experience complications with the implant itself.
Preparation
A comprehensive dental assessment is required to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This will include X-rays, impressions and other diagnostic tests to determine how many teeth are missing and how your jawbone health is. It may be necessary to address oral issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, or have preparatory procedures like bone grafting or tooth extractions before you receive implants.
You should also make dietary and lifestyle changes to promote healing and minimize complications from the surgery. These changes should include avoiding smoking and ensuring proper nutrition by eating well-balanced meals. It’s also a good idea to arrange for transportation as you will be in a state of sedation after the procedure, and it’s best not to drive.
Our dentist will give you specific instructions about what to do before and after the procedure. These instructions should be followed closely to ensure a successful implant surgery experience.
Implant Placement
After a thorough evaluation, which may include dental x-rays and teeth models, and a review of your medical history, specialists in implant dentistry will create a comprehensive treatment plan. This will address the type and number of replacement teeth you need, as well as ensuring that your jawbone and gums are free from periodontal disease and other conditions that might hinder healing.
Your dentist will give you anesthesia to numb the area where the implant will be placed. This will usually be an injection in the gums, but you may also receive sedation during this visit. If you are sedated, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Your surgeon will use a pre-created jig to help ensure the drill bit is in the correct location. They will then make an incision in your gums, and open a space in the bone for the implant. A specialized tool is then used to widen this opening until it is the proper size for the implant.
Post-Operative Care
The first step involves a comprehensive dental implant procedure examination. This includes dental X-rays and teeth models to ensure that your replacement tooth or teeth will closely match your natural teeth. Your dentist may also consult with other dental specialists, such as a periodontist or a prosthodontist. He or she will also review your medical history to determine if any conditions could complicate the surgery, including heart disease, arthritis, or other conditions that might require additional precautions or medications.
After the implant is placed, it takes time for your jawbone and the implant to fuse together. This process is called osseointegration and can take several months. During this time, it is important that you avoid smoking or drinking alcohol because these can interfere with the healing process.
In some cases, your dentist will need to add bone to the area where the implant was placed. This is known as a bone graft and typically involves transferring a small amount of bone from another area of your mouth to the implant site.
Restoration
The implant acts as the artificial root of a tooth and is placed in your jawbone. It is usually made of titanium, a lightweight metal that is accepted well by the body.
Before your implant can be put in, the dentist needs to prepare the site by removing any other badly damaged or decayed teeth. They will also take X-rays and dental impressions.
If the area where your new implant will be placed has very little healthy bone, a bone graft may be required. This is often the case when the patient has been missing a tooth for an extended period of time.
After your bone has healed, a metal extender called an abutment is attached to the implant. This is a quick procedure that involves opening the gum, attaching the abutment, and closing the gum tissue around it. It is important to keep up with your scheduled follow-up visits so that the dentist can ensure that the implant and the jawbone are fusing together correctly.