A dental implant procedure is when a dental specialist inserts artificial tooth roots into your jawbone.
These implants bond with the bone, allowing the provider to place replacement teeth called crowns.
Dental implants can be an option if you have one or more missing permanent teeth.
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Theyre made to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
This article discusses a dental implant procedure and how to prepare for it.
It also covers what to expect during the procedure and recovery.
What Is a Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant procedure is an outpatient surgery.
Getting dental implants requires several appointments.
This includes a consultation, an appointment to place the implant, and another to attach the new teeth.
That’s because those conditions can interfere with healing after surgery.
What Is the Purpose of a Dental Implant Procedure?
These may include dentures and bridges.
Theyll discuss with you whether you have enough space and bone in the missing tooth area for the procedure.
If your tooth has been missing for a while, you may have bone loss.
This requires a bone graft before you will be able to proceed with dental implant surgery.
Your dentist will give you a comprehensive examination.
Theyll take X-rays and discuss with you the options to develop a plan for the implant surgery.
Once youve developed a plan and theyve established that youre in good health, theyll schedule the surgery appointment.
Location
A dental implant procedure is typically done at a dental office.
It’s performed by a team of professionals trained in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.
This helps ensure your stomach is empty.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
Smoking may lower the success of dental implants because it can slow healing.
If you smoke, talk with your dentist about whether you should get dental implants.
That way, you wont feel any pain or discomfort.
The dentist cuts your gums to place the implant into the jawbone in the location of your missing tooth.
Once it’s placed, the dentist closes the gums over the implant so that it remains covered.
This process is calledosseointegration, meaning the titanium combines with the bone.
In some cases, a person can have everything placed in one appointment.
The dentist will examine you to ensure that the implant is secure.
Then, they’ll place a connecting piece called anabutmentover the post portion of the implant.
This is the part that will hold the new tooth.
When your gums heal, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth.
They’ll create a custom replacement tooth, also called a crown.The crown is then attached to the abutment.
How Long Is the Recovery After a Dental Implant Procedure?
If your dentist uses IV sedation, youll feel a little groggy for several hours.
After the implants are placed, you may experience some bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain.
Long-term Care
Dental implants typically require the same dental hygiene as your regular teeth.
Summary
In a dental implant procedure, the oral surgeon places artificial tooth roots in your jaw.
These implants fuse with your jawbone to hold replacement teeth.
You’ll need a few appointments to get dental implants.
The first is a consultation with the surgeon.
Then you’ll have the procedure to place the implant.
In a few months, you’ll have an appointment to have the replacement teeth placed.
This gives enough time for your bone to grow around the implant so it stays in place.
During the procedure, you may have local anesthesia or IV sedation.
Your dentist will also give you instructions on when to stop eating before the procedure.
If you’re having IV sedation, verify you have someone to drive you home after the procedure.
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