Dental implants are simply teeth replacement treatment that is done to restore its proper functions and aesthetics. It can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. There are a lot of people who are very much scared of the words dental implants, though there is nothing to be scared of. If you are thinking of a dental implant or have already made up your mind then this blog is for you.
Let’s zoom in to the entire procedure of dental implants
Although there are many other ways to replace a missing teeth but the dental implant has been chosen as the most convenient way. The implant is generally made up of titanium which is placed by a dentist with a help of a surgery. The screw like parts, designed to replicate the root of the tooth are positioned into the jawbone.
Time duration of the procedure
There is no fixed time for the dental implant surgery as it depends on the following factors-
- The number of teeth needed to be replaced
- Which teeth will be placed
- If there is a tooth that needs to be removed prior to the implant
- Your overall dental health
The dental implant procedure is divided into two phases and it takes almost 6 to 9 months to get completed. The time span might increase if an extraction needs longer to heal or bone grafts are needed.
The pain factor
This question haunts almost everyone who has been suggested for a dental implant. Just like any other surgery this surgery can also cause a little bit of discomfort. Local anesthesia and/or IV for oral sedation are used to remove any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most of the patients who have gone through the surgery reported that they were much more comfortable following the surgery what they had expected.
Preparation of surgery
Before the surgery your dentist might give you some preoperative instructions to follow
- Some antibiotics might be prescribed to you prior to the surgery as precautionary measure
- You might be suggested to wash your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash
- Doctors might also ask you to have a heavy breakfast on the day of the surgery
The surgery day
As mentioned above the entire procedure is divided into two phases.
The first phase includes the following
- Before gearing up for the surgery your mouth will entirely numbed with local anesthesia
- A small cut will be made in your gums in which the implant will go to expose the bone
- A space in your bone will be created with the help of a drilling machine for the implant
- Then the implant will be screwed in place through a hand tool or the same implant drill
- After that another component will be screwed into the implant itself which will stay in the place during the healing period
- Then one or two stitches will be placed
- For the next few months the implant will be safely attached to the bone
The 2nd phase
- The first step of the second phase covers the re-exposure of the implant. Just like the 1st phase another tiny incision in your gums will be made to expose the implant, unless there was a separate component placed on the implant that sits above the gums.
- A small extension will be positioned on the implant for an impression. The lab will use it to fit your new crown.
- Then you will need to meet your dentist on regular intervals to make your implant crown.
- In the final step the new crown will be trialed in your mouth for fitting.
Post surgery discomfort
Dental implants do not cause any major discomfort after the surgery. It is completely normal to have a little bit of swelling in the soft tissues and gum. Such discomforts are usually treated with normal painkillers.
Maintenance
After the implant, you need to take good care of your teeth on a regular basis. Make sure you brush and floss following the instructions of your dentist. Go for a dental check up every six months or more often if so suggested.
