Dental implants are the most durable and low-maintenance alternative for restoring a natural-looking, fully functional smile, whether you need to replace one or several damaged teeth.
Dental implants have been around for decades, but modern dentistry techniques have enhanced their comfort and reliability.
A dental implant is a good option if you are missing a tooth or have an infected tooth that needs to be extracted. You might be wondering as to how the procedure will go?
We will go over each phase of the Dental Implant Procedure in this article.
Type of Dental implants
In terms of the current status of dental, medical advancement, there are two major and broadly applied types of dental implants:
Endosteal
Endosteal dental implants are put inside the jawbone; these dental implant teeth are introduced deep into the jawbone, replacing tooth roots. A single implant can be used to secure one or more teeth.
They are often formed in the shape of tiny screws. Endosteal implants are made of biocompatible materials such as titanium.
Subperiosteal
Subperiosteal implants, which are on a dental bone, are another type of dental implant that is frequently used because many patients have an unhealthy jawbone within their mouth. As a result, Endosteal implants cannot be placed into the jawbone.
Subperiosteal implants are supported entirely by the gums or bones rather than the jawbone. Implantation is done above or on the bone rather than inside it by a dentist.
Full implants
If you need several teeth replaced, a whole mouth dental implant may be an option. Depending on whether you have four or six implants per arch, this procedure is sometimes called an “all on four” or an “all on six.”
Dentures
Dentures are another alternative for dental implants. They are detachable and fit over the gums. Unlike full-mouth dental implants, Dentures are not glued or screwed into the jaw and can be complete or partial.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are artificial teeth that are held in place by the teeth on each side of the gap. Bridges do not necessitate drilling into the jawbone, making them less expensive.
How is Dental Implants Procedure Performed?
Dental implant surgery involves replacing tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replacing damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that resemble natural teeth in appearance and function. Aside from that, dental implant surgery could be an excellent replacement for ill-fitting dentures or bridgework.
Also, if dentures or bridgework teeth replacements are not possible due to a lack of natural tooth roots, Dental implants are a good solution.
The dental implant surgery is completed in a series of appointments separated months apart. It can start from 3-9 months, depending on the type of dental implants you are going for and your overall oral condition., Here are the dental implants procedure steps:
Consultation
You will have a medical evaluation with your dentist prior to the treatment. The dentist will need to examine an X-ray of your entire mouth and teeth, as well as a 3D scan of your teeth, to know what kind of implants you need, and ensure everything is in order and that you are ready for the process to begin.
Placing The Implants
To begin, your mouth will be completely numbed with local anesthetic or IV sedation during the second stage, which is the surgical implantation of the implant, so you experience no pain or discomfort.
Following that, the steps will differ based on the sort of implants you require.
If you are undergoing an endosteal dental implant:
- An incision is made in your gums.
- Your dentist will make a tiny drilling hole to place the tooth root implant into the jawbone in the area of your lost tooth.
- After the implant has been placed, the dentist seals the gums over it to keep it protected.
You’ll recover at home before returning in a few months for the second stage of the procedure.
Subperiosteal dental implants, on the other hand, do not require any bone drilling. Depending on your condition, the dentist will create a minor incision on the bone or above it.
And Regardless of the type of implant you receive, you should expect some discomfort afterward. This could last for a few days. Most people can resume their normal activities the day after a dental implant is installed.
Second Procedure
After your first endosteal procedure, the hole where your implant will be interested has had enough time to heal and develop a strong foundation to stay in place when the bone grows around it.
This is known as osseointegration, which means the titanium fuses with the bone.
A connecting piece called an abutment is placed over the post portion of the implant once the dentist determines that it is secure. This is where the new tooth will be held.
The dentist will take impressions of your teeth and manufacture a customized replacement tooth, often known as a crown, once your gums have healed, After that, the crown is cemented to the abutment.
Placing the tooth
Once your teeth have healed, your new impression of the permanent tooth replacement tooth or teeth may be custom-made to fit. These can be permanently attached or detachable.
If you choose a removable tooth, it will be linked to the abutment via a metal frame. This type of tooth can be cleaned at home on a daily basis.
In case you choose a fixed tooth, it will be cemented or screwed into place on the abutment.
The substance of the implant and the surrounding bone have bonded when osseointegration is complete. As a result, the implant can act as a substitute for a natural tooth root, providing a stable basis for a prosthetic tooth.
After Dental Implant Procedure
You may suffer some of the common discomforts associated with any form of dental surgery, whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or several sessions.
Following dental implant surgery, you may require pain medicine or antibiotics. Contact your dentist if swelling, discomfort, or any other condition worsens in the days following surgery.
While the surgical area heals, you may need to eat soft foods after each stage of surgery. Your surgeon will most likely use self-dissolving sutures. Your doctor will remove your stitches if they aren’t self-dissolving.
Recovery Process
- Dental implants are normally painless, However, During your recovery the discomfort will most likely be minor; most people rate their pain as a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10.
- Normal swelling and bruising might last anywhere from 3 to 5 days before fading. Keep in mind that each patient’s recovery period will differ.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. This is because they connect directly to the jawbone.
However, The crown attached to it may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. In a 15 to 20 years period.
