What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Here’s what you can expect throughout the dental implant process:
What to Expect Before Surgery?
– Consultation and evaluation: Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implants.
– Treatment planning: The dentist will create a customized treatment plan, including the number and position of implants needed, and discuss the procedure, timeline, and costs.
– Preparation: If you have any existing dental issues like gum disease or insufficient bone density, the dentist may recommend preliminary treatments before implant surgery.
You will have a CBCT scan and impression of both Jaws done for the preparation of the surgical guide. Surgical guide provide the most accurate direction, dimension, and length for the implant.
Because of that, we DO NOT need to make any incision in the gum.
What to expect Day of Surgery?
– Preparation of the pt.: You will be given a surgical gown to wear and medicated mouthwash to rinse your mouth to disinfect the surgical site.
– Anesthesia: The area will be numbed with local anesthesia.
– Implant placement: Your dentist will use the surgical guide to make an implant-sized hole in your gum to expose the jawbone, then precisely drill a hole to implant size and insert the implant post.
– Healing cap: A protective healing cap may be placed on the implant to allow the gum tissue to heal properly.
– Post-op instructions: You will not have any sutures because there was no incision made. This way chances of post-operative infection are close to none.
You’ll receive instructions on how to care for the surgical site, manage discomfort, and what to eat during the initial healing phase.
Healing and Osseointegration
– Osseointegration: Over the next 3-6 months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in an osseointegration process, creating a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
– Medication and care: You may be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication, and advised to eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activities, and practice good oral hygiene during this phase.
Second Phase
– Abutment placement: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a small connector called an abutment will be attached to the implant during a minor procedure.
– Impressions and shade matching: Your dentist will take impressions and match the shade of the replacement tooth to your natural teeth.
Final Phase
– Replacement tooth: A custom-made crown, bridge, or denture will be securely attached to the abutment, completing the restoration and restoring your smile’s function and appearance