A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth crown is placed on an extension of the post abutment on the dental implant, giving you the look of a real tooth. Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones.
Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements. How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures.
The major benefit of implants is solid support for your new teeth — a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant.
Because this bone healing requires time, the process can take many months. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can't decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can. Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks.
Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur they're usually minor and easily treated. Risks include:. The planning process for dental implants may involve a variety of specialists, including a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face oral and maxillofacial surgeon , a dentist specializing in treating structures that support the teeth, such as gums and bones periodontist , a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth prosthodontist , or occasionally an ear, nose and throat ENT specialist.
Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a:. To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Talk to your dental specialist about which option is best for you. Your dental care team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If you're having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.
Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps, including:. The entire process can take many months from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw.
Depending on your situation, the specific procedure done or the materials used, certain steps can sometimes be combined. Your oral surgeon may need to transplant a small portion of bone — commonly from another site in the upper or lower jawbone — to give the dental implant a solid foundation. If your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery.
That's because the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts great pressure on your bone, and if it can't support the implant, the surgery likely would fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant. There are several bone graft materials that can be used to rebuild a jawbone. Options may include a natural bone graft, such as from another location in your body, or a synthetic bone graft, such as bone-substitute material that can provide support structures for new bone growth.
Talk to your doctor about options that will work best for you. It may take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. In some cases, you may need only minor bone grafting, which can be done at the same time as the implant surgery.
The condition of your jawbone determines how you proceed. For some, this quick process could sound too good to be true.
So how effective is it, really? Same-day implants are only getting more and more efficient. The success rate for these surgeries is climbing. In fact, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information , the difference in success rates for same-day vs traditional implants is statistically insignificant.
There are some negatives you should consider before deciding on same-day implants. These were found by the Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , and include:. Generally, the main risk of same-day implant surgery is a higher risk of implant failure.
Same-day surgery can also be harder on the body. Use caution with same-day implants if you have a compromised immune system. Same-day implants can usually be done in a single procedure, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the number of implanted teeth. But, you will leave with a full smile.
Same-day dental implants still require time for your gums and jaw to heal. This means crowns cannot be implanted until the mouth has fully healed. This means a full-smile on day one, and a permanent smile just a few months later. The pre-procedure consultation, the actual surgery, and a post-procedure follow-up. We design each of these to ensure you receive the utmost care and leave the office with a shining, healthy mouth. Not all dental implants are built the same. The different types of same-day implants include:.
Just as it sounds, this is the implantation of a single false-tooth, also known as a crown. Your jawbone needs to heal during this process, so there are multiple steps. It's not a procedure you can get own in one visit.
You will not have a tooth until you add your crown. You will need to discuss temporary options like a retainer, dental flippers, or a temporary crown with your dentist. It's natural to have some discomfort after the surgery. You may notice some bruising on your gums, swelling around your gums and face, some minor bleeding, and some pain at the implant site. You should stock up on some soft foods after the surgery.
You may also want to have some ice packs on hand to help reduce any swelling. Avoid tobacco because it could increase your chance of infections, such as root canal infections, and stain your teeth.
We also offer root canal treatment. It's important that you keep up good hygiene habits to protect this implant. That means flossing daily and brushing your teeth twice a day. Avoid chewing hard candies that could damage your implants. Now you know the dental implant steps. It's important you take time to talk to your dentist or surgeon to answer all your questions and understand the procedure. If you are looking for a dentist for dental implants or other dental services, contact Smile Savers Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.
Smile Savers Dentistry. Daniel Stewart. Make sure you take a look at this guide to learn about the dental implant steps and what you can expect. Initial Evaluation Your dentist or oral surgeon will first do a comprehensive examination to determine the best to determine the condition of your jawbone and the best dental implant procedure. Tooth Extraction If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will remove it before the dental work is performed. Inserting the Dental Implant and Bone Grafting There are two types of dental implants : one where the implant is inserted into your jawbone and the other that goes directly under the gumline.
Abutment Placement Once your implant is stable enough, the dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant. Adding the Permanent Crown After your gums heal, your dentist will make your artificial tooth or crown.
Daniel C. Taking care of your dental health is key to a live with a happy and healthy smile. Here is why you should regularly visit your dentist in Columbia, MD. Finding a dentist near me that's a right fit for the entire family isn't hard.
Here is how to find the perfect dental office for everyone in your home. If you live in Columbia, MD and need an emergency dentist, you must know your options. Here is what to consider when choosing an emergency dentist in Columbia. If you are about to use Invisalign for the first time, certain decisions can hinder your progress. Here are common Invisalign mistakes and how to avoid them. Finding the right cosmetic dentist for your oral health needs requires knowing your options.
0コメント