When thinking about dental implants, most people have a set idea of what the process will look like. In reality, you can expect anything but. Implants can take a variety of forms, and your specific case may necessitate something slightly different from what you read about online. Fortunately, there are many generalities you can use to help prepare for your upcoming dental implant procedure. Implant dentistry is often seen as a difficult procedure that requires extensive money and time. This is largely because of the misleading information online that completely overlooks just how simple these procedures really are when performed by an experienced specialist. In this blog post, we’ll detail all of the steps you can expect during a typical implant procedure so that you’re fully prepared!
Dental Consultation for Implant Procedure
The most important step to receiving dental implants is scheduling your consultation. In this appointment, your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth and gums to determine if implants are an appropriate treatment option. If they are likely to recommend the type of implant and restoration that are best for your specific situation. Make sure you go into your consultation prepared with any questions or concerns you have about the procedure so that you’re ready to make an informed decision.
Dental X-ray and CT scan before implant procedure
Before surgery, your dentist will likely recommend an X-ray and CT scan to further assess your jawbone and teeth. Additionally, this will allow your dentist to gauge the proper positioning of your implant. These scans are quick and painless and done in the same way that you’d get an X-ray at the dentist’s office.
The CT scan is a bit more involved, but you’ll be under general anesthesia so you won’t even know it’s happening. Implant surgery requires that your dentist goes through the bone to place the implant. These scans will allow your dentist to get a better idea of the condition of your jawbone, helping to reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
Dental implant procedure
A dental implant procedure can vary greatly depending on the type of implant you’re receiving, the state of your jawbone, and the condition of your teeth. Most procedures follow this simple process, though certain cases can complicate the process and extend the length of the operation.
Implant placement – The first step will be to clean out the jawbone to create a space for the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, varies based on the condition of your bone and can involve either one or two surgical procedures.
Implant fixation – Once the implant is in place, the bone will grow around the implant and fuse with it. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Dental restoration – Once the implant is fused with the bone, a dental restoration can be added to the implant, allowing you to replace any missing teeth with a false tooth.
Incision and bone regeneration
An implant procedure that includes regeneration isn’t a standard procedure. It’s typically only performed on people who have weak or damaged jawbones. This process creates a new space in the jawbone where the implant will be placed by removing a portion of your gums and jawbone. After this procedure, you’ll likely wear a splint for a few weeks to protect your gums and allow the bone to regenerate. After this regeneration period has passed, your dentist will place the implant in the new space.
Implant placement and fixation
After your bone has fused with the implant, your dentist will likely place a temporary restoration on the implant. This temporary restoration holds your teeth apart and functions like a bridge. After a few months, your gums will have healed, and you can have a more permanent restoration placed on the implant. This restoration can be a bridge, partial denture, or a full denture depending on the circumstances of your case.
Conclusion
The process of receiving dental implants is a long one. You’ll need to be patient and consistent with your oral hygiene routine throughout the process. Your dentist will likely recommend frequent appointments to monitor your progress until the implant has fused with the bone. Once this has happened, you can return to your normal dental routine. Once you’ve received your dental implants, you can rest assured that they’ll last a lifetime. With proper oral hygiene, you can expect your implants to last anywhere between 5-20 years. This makes dental implants the ideal solution for people who have lost teeth and are looking for a more permanent replacement.
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