Nowadays, dental implants are an extremely popular option among dentists for replacing missing teeth. They help protect a patient’s oral health, and with good maintenance they can last for a lifetime. However, you might be nervous about agreeing to a procedure that you don’t know anything about. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from filling that gap in your smile; instead, familiarize yourself with the 4 stages of getting a dental implant.
1. Extractions and Jawbone Preparation
If you still have the tooth that will be replaced, obviously it’ll need to be removed before you can receive your dental implant. There are other cases where you might need an extraction as well, such as if you’re getting implant-retained dentures but still have a few teeth left in your arch.
Your jawbone might need to be prepared as well. If it’s too soft or isn’t dense enough to support implant posts, your dentist might need to perform a procedure called bone grafting. This is where grafting material – such as a bone from another part of your body – is placed in your jaw to stimulate the growth of new bone. After allowing some time for the jawbone to repair itself, it’ll be time for the actual implant surgery.
2. Implant Surgery
Your dentist may give you some instructions to follow in the days before the surgery, such as taking antibiotics or rinsing with a special mouthwash. Once the surgery begins, the mouth will be numbed, and an incision is made in the gums to provide access to the bone. A hole is created, and the implant is snugly placed. The gums are stitched close afterwards.
3. Recovery and Implant Integration
You should be able to work as normal the day after the surgery. The discomfort can usually be treated with regular painkillers like ibuprofen. A liquid diet will be required for the first two days. You can add soft foods like mashed potatoes and eggs on the third day. Most patients are able to go back to a normal diet after one week.
Over the next few months, your dental implant will fuse with the jawbone. This is called osseointegration. You’ll only receive your prosthetic teeth after this phase is complete.
4. Prosthetic Teeth
You’ll have another appointment so that an abutment can be attached to the implant post. A few different appointments might be scheduled at this point; they’ll usually involve taking impressions of your teeth so that the prosthetic tooth or teeth can be made. The final step is for your permanent crown, bridge or dentures to be placed on the abutment.
If you don’t understand the different phases of getting dental implants or have some concerns, talk to your dentist. Repairing your smile is important, but so is knowing exactly what kind of treatment your getting and what it means for your oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter has been practicing dentistry for well over 30 years and has developed a reputation as both a cosmetic and restorative dentist. He’s completed over 1600 hours of advanced training in various fields such as implant dentistry and full/partial dentures (including implant-retained dentures). To schedule an appointment at his Lawrenceville practice, Transforming Smiles, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.