Dental implants can improve your oral health and change your smile forever. They are attractive, fully functional replacements for natural teeth.
However, some patients feel apprehensive about the dental implant procedure. This complete guide will explain the process step-by-step and answer frequently asked questions.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Consultation
The first step toward acquiring dental implants is meeting with your dentist. Your dentist will schedule a consultation to explain the risks and benefits of the procedure. They will examine your facial anatomy and determine whether you are a good implant candidate.
Your dentist will use digital imaging to check if you have sufficient jawbone density for implants. You can visit an oral surgeon for a bone graft if you need more bone volume.
Tooth Extraction
If you have an existing tooth to replace, it must come out to make way for the implant. Sometimes, the dentist or oral surgeon can place an implant anchor on the same day as tooth extraction.
Bone Grafting
Oral surgeons perform this procedure. It may happen simultaneously with tooth extraction if you need additional bone density before receiving an implant.
To place a bone graft, the oral surgeon inserts ground and sterilized bone material into your jaw and covers it with a dissolvable membrane. The bone material provides a scaffold for your natural bone to grow around. Typically, a bone graft takes about six to nine months to grow enough to place an implant.
Implant Anchor Placement
The next step is to place the anchor. It is a small titanium device that your oral surgeon places in an opening in the jawbone. The anchor gradually bonds with your jawbone in osseointegration, which gives your implant a rock-solid base. The dentist sutures your gum closed over the implant, allowing it to heal.
Abutment Placement
After healing, the dentist places the abutment. The abutment fits like a cap over the implant post. It will support the crown, bridge, or denture.
Restoration
After the surgical areas have healed, the dentist places your restoration. The bridge, denture, or crown is permanently attached to the implant and only your dentist can remove it.
Maintenance
After the healing period, a healthy dental implant needs very little maintenance. Brush and floss just as you would with a natural tooth. To protect your investment, ensure that you keep all follow-up appointments.
Healing from Implant Surgery
You may experience discomfort after dental implant surgery, similar to the issues you may experience after tooth extraction. Start with a liquid diet and gradually add firmer foods according to your comfort. Follow your practice's post-surgical instructions.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Improve Chewing Ability
Dental implants allow you to eat nearly anything you want. The food restrictions you may experience with bridges or dentures will not be a problem with implants.
Natural Appearance
Today's dental implants are almost indistinguishable from healthy teeth. You will have a complete, natural smile.
Comfortable
Dental implants do not trap food, slip, click, or pinch like dentures may.
Protect Jawbone Health
If you have a missing tooth, your jawbone will eventually begin to break down around the socket. A loss of healthy bone mass in the jaw can cause your facial appearance to change and look older. Dental implants protect jawbone mass, unlike bridges or partial dentures.
Improve Oral Health
Closing the gaps left behind by missing teeth can improve your oral health. Missing teeth allow their neighbors to move, becoming crooked and crossed. Since it is more challenging to keep crooked teeth clean, you may experience more tooth decay and gum disease. An implant keeps teeth in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?
The multi-step process may take several months, more if you need a bone graft. Your dentist can make the process as efficient as possible if you follow all post-operative instructions.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy patients are excellent candidates for the procedure. Successful candidates meet these criteria:
- Robust oral hygiene
- Excellent gum health
- Healthy jawbone mass or ability to receive a bone graft
- No medical conditions that interfere with healing (cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, immune system issues)
- Non-smoker or willing to quit
Call Wilson Park Dental
Dental implants can improve your oral health and create a beautiful smile. They are sturdy, long-lasting, and safe, with an excellent success rate. Please call our Rapid City, SD, office at 605-343-9352 to schedule a consultation today.