Understanding the Procedure for Dental Implants

Dental implants feel and function just like natural teeth, and they can last a lifetime. An implant is a rod or screw that is placed in the jawbone. It is usually made out of titanium, but it can also be made out of zirconium.

Dental implants replace missing teeth roots, and restorations like crowns are placed on them to replace missing teeth. This combination helps preserve bone tissues in the jaw. Bone tissue deterioration often occurs when a tooth falls out because it stops getting the stimulation needed to remain healthy. An implant prevents that deterioration by transferring bite forces into the jaw, stimulating the tissues there.

What to expect when getting dental implants

Many patients are thinking about restoring one or more missing teeth with implants. Let us take a closer look at how dental implants are placed.

The evaluation stage

Not all patients qualify for dental implants. Their installation requires oral surgery, which comes with its share of risks, such as pain, inflammation, and infection. Patients are assessed to see if they have existing problems like diabetes, immune system disorders, or gum disease. These can increase the risk of complications like infections developing.

Dentists also examine the patient’s jawbone to see if it is thick enough to hold implants. Some nerves run along the bottom of the jaw, and installing implants on thin jaws can damage them. Patients who lack the required thickness will have to get bone grafts and recover before proceeding with implants. It takes up to three months to recover from bone grafts.

Habits like tobacco, illicit drug, and alcohol use are also discussed during the evaluation phase. Patients might have to give up these habits leading up to the surgery and during the recovery period.

First procedure

The first procedure during the installation of implants starts with the patient being injected with a local anesthetic. The dentist then cuts into the patient’s gums to reach their jawbone and drills a hole for the implant, which is placed inside and held by bone tissues. Any incisions made are sutured up.

Second procedure

The second phase of the installation of implants takes place after the implant has fused with bone tissues around it. The dentist might attach a restoration like a crown directly to the implant or an abutment that holds the restoration.

If an abutment is used, the patient will have to come back for a third appointment to get a restoration placed on the abutment. The advantages of replacing missing teeth with implants include:

• Implants do not require specialized care
• Implants can last a lifetime
• Implants look and feel like natural teeth
• Implants prevent bone tissue loss in the jaw
• Implants prevent the remaining teeth from becoming misaligned as they try to close spaces left by missing teeth

Replace your missing tooth with an implant

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Give us a call or stop by our Carpinteria clinic to learn more about implants and other missing teeth replacement options.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carpinteriasmiles.com or call Carpinteria Smiles at (805) 920-2141 for an appointment in our Carpinteria office.

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