Dental Implants

The complete process of placing dental implants and restoring them with replacement teeth takes, at least, three visits to the dentist. The first dental appointment is typically reserved for a dental exam and evaluation of your oral health. The second and third appointments will involve the surgical placement of implant posts and subsequent placement of dental restorations, respectively. During surgery, the dentist will make an incision in the gums, exposing the jaw bone. Next, a hole is drilled into the bone and the implant is inserted. Finally, the gum is stitched closed over the implant. You will receive antibiotics and pain medications to use as you heal.

 

It can take up to six months for the implants to bond with your jaw bone. Once this process is complete, you will undergo a second surgery. Once again, an incision is made in the gum, exposing the implant. The dentist will place a metal collar on the implant, which will help the gum to heal properly around it. After two or three weeks, you will return to the dentist to have your crown, bridge or dentures crafted and placed. While your permanent restorations are being crafted, temporary restorations will be worn.

 

Dental Implant Benefits

Dental implants are beneficial to anyone needing dental prosthetics, especially for those in need of dentures. Traditional dentures rest on the gums, held in place with a mild adhesive. As such, they are highly prone to slipping or falling out completely during meals or while speaking. Because they are anchored directly to the jaw bone, implant-supported dentures are much more dependable, and can even help users to speak more clearly. Having dental implants also helps you retain bone mass in your jaw. In the absence of tooth roots, your body will begin to resorb those bone cells. But because your body will regard dental implants as tooth roots, you can preserve the integrity of your jaw.

 

Risks of Dental Implants

Because the placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure, it does carry a degree of risk. These include bleeding, infection, and injury to the nerves or sinuses. Your dentist will take X-rays to prevent these injuries. In less than 10 percent of dental implant recipients, the implants can fail to bond with the surrounding bone. Implant failure is usually detected during the second surgery, at which point a replacement may be inserted. 

 

Dental Implant Candidates

Dental implants require adequate bone mass in your jaw. If the bone integrity of your jaw has weakened after extended periods of missing teeth, a bone graft may be necessary. Non-smokers are especially suited for dental implants because nicotine can slow the healing process essential in fusing the implant to your jaw bone. 

 

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