All You Need to Know About the Dental Implant Procedure
dental implants durham nc are a common and popular procedure used to replace missing teeth. If you are considering getting dental implants, here is all you need to know about the procedure.
The process, in a nutshell
Dental implants consist of three parts: the implant, abutment, and crown. The implant is inserted into the jawbone, and over time it will fuse with the bone. The abutment is attached to the implant, and the crown is fitted over it. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, and they look and feel like natural teeth.
The overall timeline and process of a dental implant procedure may take up to several months. Prior to the actual treatment, you will first need to undergo a series of tests to make sure that you are suited for this kind of teeth restoration.
- Evaluation.
The first step in getting dental implants is evaluating your teeth, gums and jawbone; determining if there’s enough healthy bone in the area where the implants will be inserted.
Dental implants are inserted in the jawbone. If there is not enough bone tissue, the healing process after the implant has been inserted may take longer than expected. It is also possible for the implant to loosen or fall off after a matter of time because the jawbone has already become too weak to support it.
Aside from looking at a patient’s bone health and structure, the gums are also checked to ensure that they are free from periodontal disease. Existing gum problems may result to complications once the implant has been inserted.
- Implant placement.
Your dentist will advise you on the best way to place your dental implants. It is possible for them to have it done and insert a tooth in one appointment, but oftentimes the entire procedure requires several appointments depending on the method applied by the dentist.
Some dental implant procedures require the gums to fully heal and the implant to integrate with the jawbone before doing the next steps, such as putting in the workable crowns or bridges. This is common in patients who have to replace several teeth, or those who have to first undergo tooth extraction before having their implants inserted.
After the dentist determines that the new implant is secure, they will place a connecting piece called an abutment over it. The tooth itself-a custom replacement for you that’s also known as “the crown” –is attached to this part when healing has taken place in order for everything to be perfect again.
- Recovery period.
Usually after the implants are placed, the patient may experience some bruising and swelling. They will likely be advised to eat soft foods or cold soup while healing a bit of pain with Advil (ibuprofen) as needed.
It may take up to several weeks for the entire dental implant procedure to fully heal, especially when it required multiple sessions to complete. Post-surgery aftercare must also be practiced to help speed up the healing process.
Patients who have undergone a dental implant procedure are advised to practice oral hygiene at all times, including regular cleaning and avoiding foods that could cause tooth decay, or doing activities that may cause implant damage (such as cracking nut shells or eating hard solid food).
