Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They appear and function like real teeth! If you or someone you love is in need of a dental implant, it is always good to have an idea of how it is performed by a dentist.
Here, we will provide a guide on how to get a dental implant to ensure you have an idea of what to expect during the treatment. When looking for implant dentistry near you, it is helpful to have an idea of the procedures involved to make the process easier.
Dental Implantation Process
Step 1: Dental Exam and Planning
Dentists take a look at your mouth before starting the procedure. They will also take a picture of your teeth and jaws either in two dimensions through an X-ray or in three dimensions as required. This helps them see if you have enough bone to support an implant. The dentist will also check your overall oral health to ensure you’re ready for the procedure.
Following the evaluation, the dentist will decide on the treatment strategy. Every person is different, so the dentist will make a plan that is just for you. This plan thus determines the number of implants that have to be used and where to place them.
Step 2: Tooth Removal (If Needed)
If the tooth to be replaced is still in your mouth, the dentist will have to extract it. The dentist will use special tools to carefully pull out the tooth, and it usually doesn’t hurt because they will numb the area with local anesthesia. This is a common step in the replacement of teeth process, ensuring the area is ready for the dental implant.
If the tooth has already been lost, then this step won’t be needed.
Step 3: Bone Grafting (If Needed)
In some cases, there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. If so, the dentist could recommend a bone graft to the patient to be done on the area that needs the implant. This means they will put a small amount of bone (from the patient’s body or a special material) into the jaw. Over time, this bone will grow and make the area stronger.
If your bone is healthy and strong, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.
Step 4: Implant Placement
Now comes the main part of the process: placing the dental implant. The implant is a small metal post made of titanium. It acts like the root of a tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in your gum and carefully create an opening (hole) in your jawbone. Then, they will place the titanium post in the bone.
This step sounds a little frightening, but don’t worry, the dentist will use anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Step 5: Healing and Osseointegration
After the dental implants in Sunrise are placed, your body needs time to heal. The jawbone will slowly grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This ensures the implant is secure and won’t move. Osseointegration can take several months, but it’s an important step.
During this time, the dentist might give you a temporary tooth to fill the gap while your mouth heals.
Step 6: Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fused with the bone, it’s time for the next part: placing the abutment. The abutment is a small piece that connects the implant to the new tooth (or crown). To place the abutment, the dentist will open the gum again and attach it to the implant. Then, the gum is closed around it, but the abutment sticks out a little so that the new tooth can be added.
This step is usually done with local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Step 7: Placing the New Tooth (Crown)
After the abutment is placed, the dentist will make a custom crown that appears like your natural tooth. The crown is attached to the abutment, and once it’s in place, you have a brand-new tooth! The crown is strong and appears and functions like your original tooth, so you can eat, talk, and smile like you did before.
Step 8: Follow-Up and Care
After the implant is complete, the dentist will schedule a follow-up visit at the dental office near you to ensure everything is healing well. They will check the implant and crown to see if they are working properly.
It’s also important to take care of your dental implant just like you would with your regular teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist for checkups. Implants can last for a long time if you take good care of them.
Key Takeaways
Dental implants are a great option for people who have one or more missing teeth. While the process may take some time, the result is worth it. You’ll have teeth that appear and operate like a natural tooth. If you ever need a dental implant, now you know what to expect during the procedure!
Replace Missing Teeth With Seamless Dental Implants Today!
At Caring Dental Services Sunrise, we provide seamless dental implants to help restore your smile and confidence. Our dentist in Sunrise utilizes advanced technology to ensure that your dental implants are strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting. Ready to restore your smile? Contact Caring Dental Services Sunrise today to schedule your consultation and discover how our seamless dental implants can bring back your confidence and improve your oral health!