Are you considered a candidate for dental implants? Are you wondering what the process would be like or how long each step is going to take? Nowadays, dental implants are considered one of the best and most popular solutions to permanently replace missing teeth.
The implanted support posts work by securely holding a replacement fixture in place. It uses the jawbone of the patient as the anchor of support. Jawbones are considered an excellent option for dental implant installation. However, they can become a challenge if you have poor bone quality or you don’t have sufficient bone left.
Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
A dental implant surgery is unlike any other procedure you have had before. While many procedures will require that you check in and have the procedure done in the operating room, dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure.
If there is a need to have your teeth extracted before the dental implant procedure, you may need to visit the dentist a few times to have the teeth extracted. It is only then that the implant can be installed.
If you don’t have sufficient bone tissue and would require a bone graft, your dentist will also need time to carry out the grafting. If anything, you won’t be able to receive the dental implants until everything has healed properly.
While a dental implant surgery is deemed more invasive than the standard tooth extraction, many patients consider the process totally worth it. The procedure also has less unwanted side effects compared to the other options.
Since dental implants are very stable and can last for a very long time (many years), you can end up saving time and money on other dental treatments. The actual implant transplants will require cutting into the gums to gain access to the bone in the mouth.
Fortunately, the procedure won’t have any significant downsides as long as the safety precautions are observed strictly. Once the implant is already secured in place, the dentist will use stitches to close off the open wound.
For those who will have a full arch replacement, there’s likely four implants on either the bottom or top of the jaw. Some dentists offer one day teeth replacements. These include bridges, crowns, or temporary dental implants.
While healing is ongoing, the bone and implant will fuse together. The fusing process is called osseointegration. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment is placed and will be attached to the dental implant.
The dentist will have to wait until the soft tissues have healed before they can create a mold of the teeth and jaw for the bridge, crown, or dentures. Dental implants are sturdy, involve minimal discomfort, and provide a natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Recovery period can vary from one patient to another. However, most patients usually recover in as short as 1 to 2 weeks. For others, it can also take 6 months (or more). Generally, the recovery process will not happen overnight and should not be rushed.
Prior to getting a dental implant, a consultation must be done to determine if you are really a good candidate for the procedure. The process might be straightforward for some but complex for others as they might need additional procedures like bone grafting.
While the dental implant procedure experience will not be the same for everyone, one thing stays the same: you need to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the dentist religiously to ensure a proper and quick recovery.
If you have any questions about the procedure, it is recommended that you check with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns especially when it comes to the possible timeline, the aftercare required, and what you can expect.