24 / 10 / 2023
Understanding the Dental Implant Process
From Consultation to Recovery
If you have missing teeth, it’s likely that you’ve researched “the best dental implant clinics near me” as you search for a long-lasting solution. From decay to injury, there are numerous reasons why someone may be missing teeth. That’s where dental implants come in: to provide functional and natural-looking replacements. Naturally, there are many steps involved in the dental implant process, starting with the initial consultation and finishing with the recovery. To that end, listed below are the steps involved in the dental implant process, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.
Dental Implants
Consultation and Evaluation
Firstly, when searching for “the best dental implant specialists near me”, you’ll find that consultation and evaluation is the first step. This takes place with a qualified oral surgeon or dentist, in which they’ll assess your oral health and determine your suitability for dental implants. The process involves x-rays and discussions of your medical history, including medications that you’re currently taking and underlying health conditions. This is because these aspects can affect the procedure’s success.
Your jawbone density is one thing that will be under scrutiny, as sufficient jawbone is required to support your implant. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough, bone grafting may be required to build up the bone mass.
Treatment Plan Development
Upon gathering all the required information, your dentist will develop a tailored treatment plan based on your individual needs. This plan will outline details such as the necessary number of implants and the optimal positioning of each one. Your dentist will also inform you of which type of dental implant will be used, as there are various types to account for different circumstances.
Your treatment plan will also detail an estimated timeline for the entire process, including the surgical implantation and the following restorative phases. It’s at this stage that you can stop frantically Googling “dental implants near me cost”, as your dentist will be able to give you a price estimation at this point.
Surgical Implantation
When searching for “the best dental implant dentist near me”, it’s the surgical implantation stage that will be playing on your mind. As you can imagine, this is the point at which the implant is placed into the jawbone, and it’s typically performed under local anaesthesia; however, sedation options can be offered to anxious patients or those who experience discomfort.
The procedure typically involves an incision being made in the gum tissue, in which the jawbone is exposed, and a small hole for the implant is created. Typically, the implant is crafted from titanium and inserted into the bone. Over time, the implant and jawbone will naturally fuse together, which is called osseointegration; this provides a strong foundation for the prosthetic tooth.
Healing Period
Following the surgical implantation, proper osseointegration requires an extensive healing period. Your unique circumstances will affect how long the healing period is; however, it tends to last multiple months. During this time, it’s of the utmost importance that you follow your dentist’s maintenance and care instructions. For instance, you might be advised to eat a soft diet, practice impeccable oral hygiene, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
In order to maintain the function and appearance of your smile during the healing process, a temporary bridge or crown might be placed. Meanwhile, your progress will be monitored by your dentist via periodic check-ups and x-rays.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant is firmly anchored in the jawbone, an abutment will be attached. This is a small connector piece that protrudes above the gum line, serving as a connection between the implant and the final prosthetic tooth. In the placement of this abutment, your dentist will reopen the gum tissue to access the implant. Generally speaking, this is a minor procedure in which the recovery times are quite short.
Prosthetic Tooth Attachment
Once your abutment is in place, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth before they create a prosthetic tooth, which is typically referred to as a crown. This will be designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural tooth, in which a natural-looking result is guaranteed. When the crown is good to go, it’s attached to the abutment, and your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and fit.
Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance
When your prosthetic tooth is in place, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your implant. These instructions will include good oral hygiene practices, such as dental check-ups, flossing, and regular brushing, as these will help ensure your implant’s longevity.
Similarly, it might be recommended that you don’t put your implant under unnecessary stress. This can include grinding your teeth or chewing on hard foods. Since dental implants are such an investment, it’s vital that you protect them in any way you can.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Even when you’ve had your implant for some time, it’s vital that your dentist monitors the stability and health of your implant. This is because regular check-ups allow for early detection of issues, making any necessary treatment easier to conduct. Meanwhile, your teeth can sometimes move with time, meaning adjustments may need to be made to your implant.
Undergo the Dental Implant Process with Sutton Dental & Implant Clinic
Here at Sutton Dental & Implant Clinic, we’re able to cater to all manner of dental implant requirements. Make sure to sign up for one of our membership options to get 20% off your treatment!
