Dental implants are a popular and permanent way to get back your smile. They look and feel like your real teeth, and are a permanent solution for an injured or missing tooth.
You may be wondering what is involved in dental implants and how long the procedure will take? Here we will answer your questions about the dental implant procedure, including how long each step will take, what is involved, and what you should expect.
Q: What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent titanium screws that are implanted into your jawbone. The procedure is done by a dental surgeon or periodontist in a dental office. The screws fuse to your bone and create a permanent bond for a crown to be placed on top. Dental implants can replace single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth, and you can even get a full mouth dental implant.
Dental implants give you a permanent smile that looks, feels and acts like your natural teeth. They do not have to be removed like dentures; you can eat and drink all the foods that you like and are long-lasting.
Q: What Are Dental Implants Made From?
A dental implant has three main components. They are:
- The screw – is usually made from titanium or a titanium alloy. The titanium fuses to the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a secure and permanent base for your new tooth.
- The post – also called the abutment. The post is made from titanium and attached to the implanted screw in your jaw bone. It holds the new tooth in place.
- The crown – is the part of the implant that is visible. They attach to the post and are usually made of ceramic or porcelain and painted to match your other teeth.
Quick Fact:
Did you know osseointegration was first discovered by a Swedish scientist named P.I. Brandemark by accident when he was researching blood flow in rabbits?
Q: What Happens In A Dental Implant Procedure?
Here we will talk you through the basic steps for getting a dental implant. For simple implants, you may need fewer appointments and have a shorter healing time than for more complex procedures.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
The first stage of the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your dentist. This is a chance for you to talk to your dentist or dental surgeon about the process and ask any questions you might have.
Your dental implant dentist in Brampton will take a complete medical history, examine your mouth, and do a thorough evaluation to determine if the procedure is a good fit for you. This involves a full dental x-ray, and an examination of your jaw bone to determine its condition and if you will need any bone grafting.
Based on your medical history and the condition of your mouth, your doctor will develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.
Step 2 – Pre-Surgery Appointment
Once you have had your initial consultation, your next appointment will be in one to two weeks. This gives you time to decide if you want to go ahead with the treatment and think up any additional questions you might want to ask.
At this appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth for matching your implants to your natural teeth. At this point, they will discuss what you can expect on the day of the surgery and afterwards. They will also discuss your anesthesia options for the procedure to determine which one would be best for you.
You will also need to discuss post-surgery recovery plans and find someone to drive you home on the day of the surgery. Your dentist will again go over your medical history and ask about the medications you are taking, any history of heart conditions or sleep apnea, or any other implants.
Step 3 – Surgery
Dental implant surgery takes place over several stages, depending on the needs of your teeth. Your jawbone needs to heal completely around the implant before additional procedures can occur.
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- Damaged teeth are removed
- The jaw bone is prepared for surgery, and the implant is placed below the gum line.
- If the jaw bone is thin or soft, bone grafting may be necessary
Step 4 – Healing
Your jaw must be completely healed from your implant surgery before additional work can be done. This healing can take anywhere from three to nine months for full osseointegration to occur.
During the healing process, it is vital to properly care for your teeth and be sure to brush twice a day and floss every day. Try not to sneeze if possible; the pressure might damage your sensitive tissues.
You might experience some pain and swelling after surgery. Use a cold compress to help relieve the pain and swelling. Your dentist will give you a list of recommendations to follow after the surgery. It is recommended that you stick to soft foods for the first few days and stay away from smoking as this can also put pressure on your stitches and increase complications after surgery. Take all antibiotics or pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
Step 5 – The Abutment
At this visit, the dentist will attach the abutment to the dental implant. Often this can be done under local anesthesia. The dentist will open your gums, attach the post and close your gums again around the abutment. Your gums will need to heal for one or two weeks.
Step 6 – The Crown
Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth so that your new artificial teeth can be closely matched to your existing ones. You can choose to have a removable implant prosthesis or a fixed implant prosthesis that will be permanently secured to the abutment. Removable implants are a more affordable dental implant.
The crown is attached to your abutment, and you are ready to enjoy a mouthful of natural feeling and looking teeth.
The Result
If you are in general good health and your gums are in good shape, you may be a strong candidate for dental implants. Dental implants have a 90% success rate, but the procedure does involve surgery. Talk to a dentist at a Brampton dental implant clinic to see if the process is right for you.
If you have any questions about dental implants in the Brampton area, drop by Springdale Dental Centre at 630 Peter Robertson Blvd, Brampton, ON. Take a look at our list of services, email or call us a 905-458-1212 to book an initial consultation.
