What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

You may be considering a dumfries dental implants, but don’t know much about what is involved in the implant procedure. Before committing to implant treatment, it helps to get an idea of what you are getting into. Getting a dental implant involves a multiple step process to replace a missing tooth. Below is more information about dental implants and a step by step explanation of the implant treatment process.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to replace a missing tooth. To replace a tooth, a metal post is inserted into the gums where the root of tooth would be. Once the post has been placed and the gums have healed, an artificial crown is attached to the top of the post. Implants are different from other tooth replacement alternatives because the metal post gives the stability and structure of a real tooth. After the dental implant procedure has been completed it is difficult to tell the new artificial tooth from the other natural teeth.

The Implant Procedure

The process of getting a dental implant is a bit more complex than the alternative tooth replacement treatments and does require dental surgery. The extent of the steps that must occur are largely dependent on the health of the jawbone and the type of implant. Regardless, the implant treatment will occur over multiple visits to the dentist.

Here are the steps of the treatment process:

  • Pre-surgery appointment: To prepare for the dental implant procedure, the most important step is having a detailed discussion with the dentist. This step is important to help you understand the treatment plan, the timeline of the entire treatment process, and what kind of pain you can expect. Prior to the first surgery, your dentist will want to complete a comprehensive exam to evaluate the health of the teeth and jawbones, and to take x-rays and impressions. This exam will help your dentist plan their surgery steps, pick an implant that is a good fit for you, and ensure the health of your jawbone is good enough to handle the new implant and the procedure. Your dentist will want to discuss your overall health, any medication use, and what anesthesia should be used.
  • Outpatient surgery: Next, is the biggest step, the surgery. The goal of the surgery is to insert a metal post, the dental implant, into the jawbone. The surgery is very simple as the implant is securely placed just below the gumline. There may be some pain and swelling after the procedure.
  • Healing time: The next step of process will not occur for several weeks. It is important to wait a few weeks prior to taking the next step to allow the jawbone to heal around the implant, ensuring the implant remains secure in the jaw.
  • Attaching the Crown: After your implant is secure and the gums have healed, it is time to attach the abutment and the artificial crown. Your dentist will have ordered this crown previously and selected a crown to match your other natural teeth

More on Dental Implants : How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

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