If you’ve lost teeth due to a disease or an accident, dental implants can give you durable replacements that look, feel, and function like real teeth. Even if you’ve settled on dental implants as the best option for you, though, you may not know much about the procedure for inserting dental implants into your mouth. Knowing what to expect on the day of your procedure can help you to feel calm and relaxed, which means you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice. Here’s what you can expect to happen on the day you receive your dental implants.
Dental implants are usually installed in a three-step procedure. During the first stage of your surgery, your oral surgeon will bury the implant beneath your gums. The implant is the metallic screw-like piece that replaces a lost root. If you opted for one-day implants, your oral surgeon will immediately connect a temporary abutment and temporary denture, which you will wear for a period of four to six months while your mouth heals. Your dental surgeon will give you antibiotics and other medications, and it is imperative that you adhere to your medication schedule to ensure the implant heals properly.
After your mouth has healed, your oral surgeon will insert an abutment and connect it to the implant. The abutment is a small piece of metal that is screwed or fused into the implant. It serves as the primary support structure for the crown. Your surgeon will make a small incision to expose the implant and insert the abutment. Some oral surgeons forego a temporary abutment and simply insert the permanent abutment on the same day that your implant was installed. If you have a temporary abutment, your surgeon will instruct you on how to care for it while you wait for your gums to heal.
After the abutment has been installed, your oral surgeon will insert your prosthetic crown – the part of the implant that looks like a tooth. Usually, your oral surgeon will have fabricated this artificial crown using impressions of your own natural teeth. Your oral surgeon may want to insert the artificial crown before it is fully finished in order to ensure it fits properly. Some oral surgeons will offer you a choice between removable and permanent implants. A removable implant is an implant mounted to the abutment that can be snapped out of place for easier cleaning. A fixed implant is a single artificial tooth that is permanently affixed to the abutment, and can only be removed by a dental surgeon.
Once your prosthetic crown has been inserted, your oral surgeon will give you instructions for post-operative care. Dental implants usually have a 90% success rate. You’ll want to follow your dental surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure your new implants will last. You will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours following your surgery, and to use your mouthwash for one week. A warm saltwater rinse can promote healing and prevent infection.
Dental implants can improve the look and feel of your mouth, and they can give you newfound confidence in your smile. A Lorton oral surgeon can give you high-quality dental implants that you’ll love. For more information or to schedule your dental implant consultation, contact Lorton Oral Surgery today.
The Day Of: What to Expect the Day You Come in for Your Dental Implant Procedure
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