The Dental Implant Procedure: How Does It Work?

The Dental Implant Procedure: How Does It Work?

A dental implant is a form of permanent tooth restoration using prosthetic teeth. Dentists put them directly inside your jaw, unlike dentures that you can remove when you sleep. They look and function like the other teeth in your mouth. The implant procedure varies depending on the number of teeth and the extent of the damage. If you are considering having them, here is what you need to know about the process.

Consultation

The first step involves finding the right dentist to perform the procedure, then scheduling an appointment. During the consultation, they will assess your mouth to see whether you qualify for an implant.

Implantation requires the ideal quantity of healthy bone where to place the dental implant. If not, the dentist may recommend bone grafting or a mini-dental implant to mend your jawbone. Your dentist may recommend other constructive procedures if you have several missing teeth.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafts help increase the amount of healthy bone at the site of the implant. Often, the dentist may place the graft immediately after removing the tooth with some damage. They do this to maintain the integrity of the site of the new implant. The same may also occur when you have an old missing tooth and degradation or damage to the bone.

Before the procedure, the dentist will present you with the materials available for bone grafts. After the procedure, you will require ample time to heal before placing the dental implant.

Implant Procedure

The session begins with the oral surgeon slicing your gum to reveal the jawbone. For people with bone grafts, this should happen after complete healing. Next, they will drill a hole to insert the artificial tooth root, dental implant, or metal screw. After insertion of the post, the dentist seals the opening with stitches to protect it.

After this, the oral surgeon will place a temporary crown on the implant. They will offer or prescribe pain-relieving medication to help quell the discomfort you will experience in the following few days. You will also have to avoid eating and drinking according to your doctor’s recommendation.

Recovery

For people with bone grafts, this will be the second recovery period. It will be the first for the others. Take this time to care for your implant as you heal. Usually, this period may last between four to six months, during which your highest priority should be dental hygiene.

All this time, osseointegration is taking place. It is the structural and functional fusion of the dental implant and your jawbone without rejection. The materials with the highest biocompatibility success in osseointegration are zirconia and titanium.

Abutment Procedure

Once the recovery process is complete, your doctor will continue to install abutments. It is the part that links the denture, bridge, or crown to your implant. You will need to undergo a two-step procedure to open the gums to fit the abutments.

After this, the dentist will seal the opening by stitching around the abutment. Later, the surgeon will place a permanent crown, denture, or bridge to complete the dental implant procedure.

For more about dental implants or to schedule a visit, call Elite Dentistry & Implant Center at 205-224-0040 to reach our Chelsea, Alabama office.