3 Steps to Getting New Dental Implants

Many people across the country get up in the morning, smile in the mirror – and there it is: that gap in their smile that stares right back at them. For the longest time, there was not much to be done about this issue. However, in recent years, many people visit their dentist for consultation on how a dental implant can change their smile and their life.

There are a few different types of common procedures, like the crown placement procedure (where a cap is placed on top of a single tooth to replace dental rot), a bridge placement (when a row of teeth are implanted into the patient’s jaw), and the removable denture implant. Getting dental implants is as easy as a few consultations and surgeries. Also, the success rate has never been as high as it is now. Here is what you can expect from the dental implant procedure process.

1. Dentist Consultation

Before going for the procedure, you will have to speak with your doctor or dentist (or both) to discuss the procedure, your condition and suitability for the surgery, and treatment options. Then you can expect a full dental examination that includes X-ray models of your teeth and mouth structures, tooth health, gum health, etc. This is also where you will discuss your treatment plan as it suits you. It is not unusual to have to consult multiple dentists on the surgery as they specialize in different fields. For example, some dental experts specialize in dental support structures that keep the jaw and teeth in place. When everything is agreed upon, then the surgery can be scheduled with the proper dental surgeon.

2. The Procedure

The procedure itself largely depends on what the surgery is going to fix. For example, a dental implant for a single tooth follows the following steps: removing the damaged tooth, preparing the jawbone to accept the implant (some cases require bone grafting if the jawbone is too thin or too soft, involving transferring bone matter from one part of your body, like your hip, and placing it into the jaw where it grows into place), attaching the metal pole and planting it into the jawbone after it is healed, a several month healing and recovery period if the case requires it.

Afterwards, the oral surgeon will place the abutment (an extension coming out of the metal post of the implant), a final recovery period to heal the soft tissues of the mouth, then finally, the dental surgeon will create molds of the patient’s mouth to prepare them for the final tooth placement onto the metal pole and abutment. After the entire process, the patient will then go through to the recovery phase.

3. Recovery

While most dental implant operations are successful, the patient will need to keep watch over their oral health and contact their dentist if anything seems wrong. Some side effects to the operation include gum and face swelling, bruising, pain in the operated area, as well as some bleeding. If any of these issues occur to excess, it is important for the patient to reach out to the dentist.