Every year, three million people in the U.S. undergo dental implant procedures, and the number keeps increasing yearly. Although the procedure is common, it is reasonable to be nervous about the implantation process. Dental anxiety can be serious, particularly when it involves a complex procedure. Therefore, knowing what happens during the procedure can help to allay some of your fears. This article focuses on what to expect during the dental implant procedure and all the process involved to keep you calm and prepared for the new dental implant.
If the dentist has recommended you for dental implants, it means you have one or more teeth missing. A dental implant is a tiny metal screw inserted into the jawbone to hold the new prosthetic tooth via an abutment. A dental implant is a more permanent dental restoration compared to dentures and bridges.
The placement procedure takes different stages. Sometimes, the steps can be completed together, but there will be a healing period between treatments. Before the implant procedure, the dentist will take x-ray scans of your teeth and gums to know their current state. At this stage, if you do not have enough bone mass for an implant, the dentist will recommend bone grafts. If applicable, tooth extractions may also happen around this time.
If you need a bone graft, the oral surgeon will need to supplement the jawbone with artificial bone or bone from other areas of your body. Based on the level of grafts required, you will need several months to heal before the dental implant procedure. In the case of minor bone grafting, the dental expert may complete the implant surgery concurrently.
The placement process is the most invasive part of the implantation procedure. The oral surgeon will insert the metal that will function as the tooth root into the jawbone. Although the process is complex, the discomfort should be minimal. The oral surgeon will make a laceration in the gum to reveal the bone and create the implant hole. You will be sedated throughout the procedure, so you will not feel any of the drilling.
After inserting the implant, your jawbone will need to integrate with the implant in a process called osseointegration, and this may take several months. This is to ensure the artificial tooth has a solid grounding like the natural teeth. Before the jawbone heals completely, the dentist will place a temporary crown on the gap created. After osseointegration is complete, the implant will be ready for the new, artificial tooth.
A second appointment will be required to place the abutment, which is the piece that holds the dental crown. The procedure is not as invasive as the implantation. After placing the abutment, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create the new artificial crown. Depending on your condition, the dentist may suggest a fixed or removable crown.
To eliminate potential complications during the process, you should get your dental implant procedure done by a reputable and experienced dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants.
Dental implants are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth in general dentistry nowadays. These are screws or rods (typically made out of titanium) that can serve as artificial teeth roots. Oral restorations like crowns are fitted to implants to replace missing teeth. Implants are constructed to last a lifetime, but the…
Dental implants are among the most popular missing teeth replacement options available in general dentistry. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace missing teeth and their roots, which means they preserve bone tissues in the jaw. Bone tissue loss typically takes place when teeth fall out due to the bone tissues not getting the…
If you have ever critically damaged or lost a tooth and had it repaired, you probably had a dental implant set. A dental implant is a metal fixture installed by a dentist that fuses to the jawbone via a process called osseointegration. This allows for artificial teeth to be securely placed on top of it.…
Dental implants restore missing teeth in a way that feels natural and does not interfere with eating or speaking, but the thought of dental implant surgery may at first seem a bit daunting. Knowing what to expect can ease your mind and help you prepare to go through the surgery with minimal stress. Here are…
Most people develop a cavity at some point in their lives, but children are especially prone to tooth decay. Dental sealants can be used to help lower the risk of getting cavities, protecting a child's teeth for many years. This supplemental treatment offers many benefits and is recommended by most dentists for virtually all children…
Seeking an emergency dentistry solution to tooth avulsion must happen right away. In this type of dental emergency, your chances of getting your tooth back in your mouth are higher if you go to the urgent dental care clinic. Knowing how this dental facility can help your situation can give you hope for recovering your…