Dental Implant Procedure: How is it done?
A dental implant is a long-lasting, natural-looking option for a patient wanting to replace missing teeth.
An implant is a titanium alloy prosthesis surgically placed into the jaw. It acts as the artificial root of the tooth.
The titanium alloy then integrates with the surrounding bone, firmly holding and securing it.
If you’re considering getting dental implants, here is further information on what to anticipate throughout the procedure.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium alloy prosthesis surgically placed into the jawbone.
This implant is a secure base for a replacement tooth or crown, functioning as a tooth’s artificial root.
The choice of titanium is not arbitrary; this material is biocompatible, meaning it integrates seamlessly with the bone in an osseointegration process. This integration ensures the implant remains secure, like a natural tooth root.
Evaluation
Your Campbelltown dentist will examine your mouth to ascertain if dental implants fit you well. However, not all patients are suitable for dental implants.
A particular amount of healthy bone material is required to insert a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone, your dentist may suggest a smaller micro dental implant or bone grafting to strengthen the jawbone where the treatment will be performed.
A conventional dental implant is not your only choice if you have multiple missing teeth. Your dentist may suggest alternative procedures besides implant restorations, such as implant-supported dentures.
Bone Grafts
Your dentist might suggest a bone graft to increase the quantity of healthy bone at the implant location.
A graft is typically placed at the same time as the tooth to be replaced is pulled to maintain the area for the upcoming implant.
This is occasionally necessary when a tooth has been gone for a long time, and some bone loss has occurred.
The bone graft must be cured after installation before the implant is inserted. Before the treatment, you will be given information on the various bone transplant materials that can be used.
Placing the Dental Implant and Temporary Crown
Once your jawbone is ready, the next step involves placing the dental implant. The process is not too long; one implant typically takes an hour. During this surgery, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone, then drills a hole into which the titanium implant is inserted.
During this initial treatment, a temporary crown may occasionally be placed on the implant. With this temporary crown, you can go about your everyday activities as your mouth recovers, and it also serves an aesthetic purpose. Some discomfort usually accompanies the initial healing period, but over-the-counter painkillers are typically sufficient to manage pain.
Observation and Healing
After the implant is placed, your body needs time to heal and for the osseointegration process to occur. This healing phase is crucial to securely anchoring the implant in your jawbone.
For most patients, this healing period lasts several months. However, in some cases, especially if bone grafting was involved, it might take six months or more. Throughout this time, your dentist will monitor your progress and determine the best time to move forward with the final steps of the procedure.
Abutment and Crown
Once the dentist is confident that the implant has fused with your jawbone, the final and last stage of the process begins. The temporary crown is removed during this appointment, and the implant is connected to an abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that holds the final permanent crown in place.
The permanent crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth’ colour, size, and shape, ensuring that your new tooth blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Your dental implant procedure is complete after the crown is secured to the abutment.
Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance
Caring for your new dental implant is like caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health of your implant and the surrounding gums.
Your Campbelltown dentist will provide specific instructions on caring for your new implant and may recommend additional follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Dental Implants in Campbelltown
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, make an appointment today!
At A Plus Dental, we use premium materials to fabricate strong and natural-looking dental implant restorations that can last for many years.
Visit your Campbelltown dentist today!
To claim your FREE Dental implant consultation, call (02) 4627 3833 or book your appointment online.
We are located at Suite 3/300 Queen Street in Campbelltown.