Dental implants are a form of restorative work done by professional dentist. If you are wondering what to expect in this minimally invasive procedure, read the information below.
Getting started
Before the dental implant procedure, your dentist will review the state of your teeth and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for it. If you have lost a lot of jawbone, getting implants can be hard unless a bone graft procedure is done. The dentist will get rid of damaged teeth through extraction and perform the bone graft before placing implants.
Preparing for the procedure
The dentist will tell you how to prepare for dental implants Richmond Hill. For instance, you may be advised to stop smoking a few months before the procedure in order to prevent poor bone and implant integration. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of implant failure.
The procedure
The dentist will start by using a local anesthetic to numb the implant site and the surrounding area. Since the procedure will be done when you are awake, numbing the area will make sure you don’t feel any pain. Partial sedation can also be done but this is not offered at every dental clinic. After the anesthetic, the next step is preparing the implant site where the bone is made flat and smooth then a series of drills are used to make a hole into the jawbone. This is where the implant will be attached.
While drilling of the jawbone is done, the dentist can use water or saline to make sure the area is kept cool and prevented from overheating. The position of the implant is checked using an alignment pin. This is done to ensure that the implant is properly aligned and positioned inside the jawbone.
Placing dental implants
The process of placing dental implants is usually the last step of the procedure. The implant can be placed using a hand wrench or a special drill. This can be slightly uncomfortable for the patient but dentists who are well versed with this procedure are able to minimize the discomfort. Once the implant has been placed, the surgical site will then be closed.
A week after the procedure
After dental implants have been placed, the stitches are then left for 7 to 010 days after which they are removed. It takes 3 to 6 months for the implant to Osseo-integrate (fuse with the bone). Once this happens, the restoration is placed. The implant and the surrounding area needs to be kept clean at all times. Poor Osseo-integration can result in implant failure and significant bone loss.
Your dentist may even recommend an immediate load which is simply a temporary restoration that is placed on the same day as the surgical procedure. You will stay with it until the permanent restoration is placed. The permanent restoration can be a crown, bridge or denture. When it is placed, the individual can enjoy a natural looking restoration that significantly improves his/her smile and oral health.
