Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth
roots with titanium metal, screw-like posts and replaces
severely damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look, function and act like their natural
counterparts. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome and highly successful
alternative to more traditional methods of tooth replacement.
How dental implant surgery is
performed depends on the type of implant as well as the condition of
your jawbone. This process may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is their ability to
properly fuse to living bone which creates a secure foundation for new teeth.
Preparation
Because dental implant surgery requires one or more surgical
procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation administered by your trusted
dental professional to prepare for this process. This generally includes:
Comprehensive Dental
Exam- Your initial evaluation should include a series of preliminary x-rays and
impressions of your specific dental anatomy. This
provides your trusted dental professional with an accurate blueprint for
creating your tailored treatment plan. Your consultation should also involve an
open and honest discussion about your needs, concerns, and expectations of
treatment.
Treatment Plan- Tailored
to your unique situation, this method takes into consideration all the factors
including how many teeth you need to have replaced and the condition of your
jawbone.
The planning process may involve a series of dental
specialists such as a doctor who specializes in the conditions of the mouth,
jaw, and face (a maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist who works with the structures
that support teeth (a periodontist), and a dentist who restores the implants
with crown, bridge, or denture prosthetics.
When Bone Grafting is
Needed
If it is determined
that you lack proper jawbone volume or it is too soft, you may require initial
bone grafting before you can undergo dental implant surgery. This is because the powerful chewing action of
your mouth exerts great pressure on your
jawbone, and if it cannot support the implant, the surgery is likely to fail. A bone grafting procedure is designed to
resolve this issue as it can create a stronger base for the implant.
Bone grafting involves removing a piece of bone from another
part of your jaw or body, typically your hip, and then transplanted into your
jawbone. Another option is the use of
artificial bone to place in the area.
Placing the Implant
Before your procedure begins, a local anesthetic is used for
maximized comfort, allowing for a virtually painless process. Since the post
will serve as the tooth root, it is surgically implanted
into the jawbone.
At this point, you will temporarily have a gap where your
tooth is missing. A type of partial, temporary prosthetic can be placed for appearances if needed.
Waiting for
Osseointegration
During osseointegration, the jawbone grows and unites with
the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months,
helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth.
Placing the Abutment
When osseointegration is
complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment-the piece where the crown will eventually
attach. This minor surgery is typically done
under local anesthesia. In some cases, the abutment is attached to the post when the implant is inserted. Because the abutment is just past the gum line, it is
visible when you open your mouth and will
be until your dentist provides your prosthetic.
After the Procedure
Whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or
multiple, patients may experience some typical discomforts such as swelling of
the gums and face, bruising, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding.
If any of the above symptoms worsen, contact your oral
surgeon right away. You may require pain medications or antibiotics.
For more information
or concerns about dental implant surgery, contact Dr. Snehal Patel at Lorton
Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery today!
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