The Dental Implant Procedure

When you think of dental implants, what comes to mind? Maybe that picture of a cap sticking out of someone’s mouth. Or perhaps you picture someone waking up with a new smile. However, dental implants are an option to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

The process involves replacing your missing tooth or teeth with a titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jaw. The titanium post becomes the root of your new tooth. The crown, crown piece, or cap is then attached to the post to complete the process. Depending on your needs, a Natick dentist (or the one near your residence) can tell you what kind of implant you will need and how long this procedure will take.

Types of Dental Implants

• Endosteal implants – are titanium posts that are placed directly into the jawbone. A fixture is attached to it, and this fixture is used to support the replacement tooth.
• Subperiosteal implants – are titanium posts that sit on top of the jawbone. A fixture attaches them to the lower jawbone, and a connector attaches to the upper jawbone.

Dental Implant Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option. Dental implants may be right for you, whether you are missing a tooth due to age, disease, a dental injury, or periodontal disease.

Step 1: Assessment – When you visit a Gig Harbor Dentist (in case you live there), they will likely evaluate your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Patients who have been missing teeth for an extended period are often suitable candidates. Once your dentist decides that implants are a good option for replacing your missing teeth, they may further discuss the process and benefits with you.

Step 2: Bone Grafts – A bone graft is an artificial substance that replaces missing bone material. Tooth implant surgery involves placing a screw, or tooth root, into the jawbone, which serves as a site for the implant. After the implant heals and the jawbone grows around the screw, the implant becomes an artificial tooth root.

Step 3: Dental Implant and Temporary Crown – The posts form a replacement for the root of a tooth. A metal post is then attached to each post, and a crown is placed on top of the implant. This crown can be solid (made from a solid metal like gold or titanium) or ceramic. After the implants have fused with the jawbone, the dentist will put a temporary crown on them to protect them as the post fuses to the jawbone.

Step 4: Waiting and Healing – Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution to tooth loss. An implant is a titanium replacement tooth that is placed in the jaw through surgery to replace a missing tooth. Implants are placed into the jawbone, and the healing period can take anywhere from 4-12 months to complete.

Step 5: Abutment and Crown – An abutment is the small piece that attaches the implant to the dental crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that sits above the gum line and is what people see. Dental implants are replacements for a missing tooth. The crown is the top part of the tooth. The implant is a small post that is placed below the gum line in the jawbone. The crown and implant are joined together. The implant and bone fuse together to form a permanent bond. The implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An implant will look and function like a natural tooth.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

If you want to know how long it takes to get a dental implant, you may need to visit a Red Deer family dentist (or the one near your home) as they tend to guide you on how a dental implant process is accomplished. They will possibly walk you through the entire process, from the initial examination and X-rays to the placement of the implant and the final attachment of the crown. Keep in mind that the duration of the procedure can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s oral health, the number of implants needed, and the complexity of the case.

How Painful Are Dental Implants?

If you are considering dental implants, you may be concerned about how painful the procedure will be. Fortunately, the process is quick and relatively painless. However, you’ll be relieved to know that the process, often conducted in reputable dental clinics like the envision dental implant center, tends to be swift and minimally painful. Dental implants are renowned for their efficiency in delivering a quick and relatively painless experience.

You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area, and you will not feel much discomfort or pain. Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of the procedure’s pain level. Still, you can get an idea of what to expect by taking a look at a video that offers a narrated version of the implant process.