Getting dental implants can be intimidating, especially if you do not know much about the process. This article will discuss the general steps that happen after a patient decides that they want to receive dental implants. We will discuss some of the considerations and conditions that need to be present after the surgery.
The first step is to have a dental practitioner evaluate the patient's mouth and see if they are a good fit for dental implants. The process involves the insertion of metal posts to create stable bases for teeth, so the dental practitioner will need to know things like patient allergies and general habits.
Things like being allergic to certain medicines and materials may challenge the dental practitioner, and certain habits like smoking and chewing tobacco may challenge the patient to receive an implant successfully.
Of course, all problematic teeth will need to be removed to make way for the new implant. The practitioner will most likely opt to do this on the same day they insert the new implant. The only way that this process can be complicated is if the patient has multiple fractured teeth.
Fractured teeth are more difficult to remove and can add time to the procedure. They may cause a slight increase in discomfort, but the anesthetic that your dental practitioner uses will help with the process.
There are two types of implants– one type goes just below the gum line, and the other is directly inserted into the jawbone. Depending on the size and the shape of the patient's jaw, certain precautions may or may not need to be taken. We will discuss that later.
The three parts to an implant are the post, abutment, and crown. The post gets inserted either in the gum line or the jawbone. After that heals for a couple of weeks, the dentist will place an abutment (the part that makes your crown flush with your gum line) on the post. After the dentist makes a solid connection and lets that heal, he will install the permanent crown that matches the color of your other teeth.
Overall, the process of receiving an implant can take a few months. Although it can be a lengthy process, the outcomes are worthwhile and last 10-15 years before replacing them.
After the surgery, it is important to have softer foods stocked up so that your mouth has the materials and conditions that it needs to heal properly. That means engaging in proper dental hygiene and reducing the use of candy and tobacco.
Implants are not meant to be removed regularly for cleaning after installing. If you feel more comfortable with the regular removal and cleaning of your teeth, consider dentures.
Also, if the patient's jawbone is too fine, additional bone tissue may need to be grafted onto the jawbone to tolerate the tooth removal and implant insertion.
Dental implants can help to restore the appearance and structure of your smile. However, without the proper care, the lack of implants can negatively impact your other teeth. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.scmountaindental.com or call Brent C. Lay, DDS at (408) 500-0813 for an appointment in our Los Gatos office.
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