A Guide to the Procedure Involved With Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a way for those with missing teeth to once again feel confident with their smile and not worry about the numerous negative effects that come along with living with missing teeth. By understanding the dental implant procedure, those in need of a tooth replacement can feel confident throughout the process.

The dental implant procedure

Although most with missing teeth understand the benefits of dental implants, all too many are wary about the procedure, fearing it is a long, invasive process filled with pain throughout each step. However, the dental implant procedure is safe and easy for a skilled dentist to effectively and efficiently perform.

Evaluation and impression

The first step in the dental implant process is to undergo an extensive oral examination to determine whether or not dental implants are the right form of tooth replacement, how many implants are going to be needed and what preparation needs to take place before the surgical component of the procedure.

After both the patient and the dentist agree to treatment, an impression is taken of the patient’s mouth to ensure the process goes accordingly and all of the materials needed are customized to meet the patient’s exact needs.

Dental implants placement

After the evaluation is performed and impressions have been taken by the dentist, the mouth is prepared for the placement of the dental implants. The preparation process is different for each patient. While those with healthy gums and a strong jawbone may need very little preparation, individuals with gum disease and/or bone loss may need to treat the gum disease and undergo bone grafting before the placement can take place.

After the mouth is fully prepared, a time is scheduled for the surgery. The actual placement of the implants involves making an incision into the gums to access the bone and placing the implants.

Abutment and crown placement

It may take some time for osseointegration to take place - which is the process in which the implant successfully connects and fuses with the jawbone.

After osseointegration takes place, the next step in the process is to place the abutment of the dental implant. The abutment is a connective component that attaches to the implant and serves as the root of the artificial tooth. Once the abutment is placed, the artificial tooth - usually either a bridge, overdenture or crown - can be attached, completing the dental implant procedure.  

Aftercare for dental implants

Once the artificial tooth is securely in place, the operation is complete - so you can feel free to breathe a sigh of relief at this point.

However, aftercare following the dental implant placement is incredibly important for ensuring that any oral health concerns do not develop and the implants remain securely in place. In the weeks and months following the dental implant procedure, the mouth is likely to be more vulnerable to infection and gum damage, so be sure to practice good oral hygiene and keep a close eye out for any issues.

In the event that a concern surfaces during the aftercare of any dental implants, be sure to visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

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