What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Dental implants huntersville north carolina are used to replace a missing tooth. A metal, usually titanium, implant is placed into the jawbone and acts as the root of the tooth. An abutment and crown are then placed onto the implant to give you a new tooth! Implants are beneficial for not only aesthetics, but to keep you other teeth from shifting and compromising their health.

Process for Dental Implant Surgery

Evaluation

Before you schedule implant surgery, your dentist and oral surgeon will evaluate the area to be treated. X-rays will help them see your tooth and bone structure so that they can determine what all will need to be done to ensure the success of your implant. You medical history will need to be up to date with your dentist and oral surgeon including any and all medications you are currently taking.

Since you will be under anesthesia for the surgery, you will need to arrange to have someone pick you up from surgery and get you safely into bed. You will need to take the day off of work so that your body can begin the healing process and not be stressed. You will be provided with pre and post op instructions by your oral surgeon.

Implant and Bone Grafting Surgery

If your tooth needs to be extracted, that will be the first step. Any bone grafting that you need will be next, to ensure there is enough bone structure to support your implant. Having a strong foundation for your implant gives your implant the best stability and durability. Bone structure may be taken from another area of the jaw or even other parts of your body and then transplanted to the implant site.

The jawbone is allowed to heal for three months before the implant is placed. The implant is placed into the jawbone and another eight to twelve weeks is allowed for the jaw to heal and ensure proper integration of the implant into the jawbone. Your oral surgeon will place a healing cap over the implant to keep it clean while you heal. You may also be given a temporary appliance to cover the open area and give the appearance of a tooth.

Placing the Abutment and Crown

Once your implant is integrated, you oral surgeon will clear you for restoration with your dentist. Your dentist will take impressions for the lab to fabricate your implant crown. The abutment is the joint between the implant and the crown. It crews into the implant and is the surface for the crown to be attached to.

After Implant Surgery

To give your implant the best chance of success it is important to follow your post op instructions to the letter! Doing all you can to prevent complications while your implant heals will also help your healing time be as short as possible. You may be on a soft diet for longer than you would like but it is for the best. You are making an investment in your health and while it is certainly not a quick or cheap process, implants are a smart choice. Speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

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