When it comes to replacing missing teeth, a lot of people are opting for dental implant surgery because the procedure allows them to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth that are similar to their natural teeth.
When a person decides to replace missing teeth with dental implants, they will have to see a dentist for a consultation to determine if they are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Due to the fact that the implants require healthy gums and enough bone density to hold the implant in place, not everyone is considered an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery.
Before the patient can be deemed an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery, the dentist will conduct an oral examination of their mouth to examine the teeth, gums and overall health. The dentist will also go over the patient’s medical history and evaluate the patient’s bone density to ensure that it will be able to hold the implant in place. If the patient does not have enough bone density in the jaw, the dentist may suggest a bone graft before patients undergo the implant procedure.
In addition to the oral examination, the dentist will perform an X-ray of the mouth to get a better idea of how dense the jawbone is to determine if there is enough bone structure to place the implant. The oral surgeon also determines exactly where the implant should be placed based on the patient’s X-ray.
Once the examination of the patient is complete, the dentist will explain the different treatment options. If the dentist determines that the patient is healthy enough to undergo the procedure, they will formulate a treatment plan for the patient. The patient will also be advised to ask the dentist any questions about the procedure.
The implant surgery is an outpatient surgery that is performed in stages, which means the patient will have to visit the dentist multiple times until the process has been completed. The dentist will first remove the damaged teeth and prepare the jawbone, using bone grafting when needed. Then the dentist will place the dental implant. After bone growth and healing, the patient will return to the dentist’s office and the dentist will place the abutment and then the artificial teeth.
The process usually takes months from start to finish. But, most of the time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in the jaw. Depending on the type of implants that are used and the patient’s situation, some of the steps can be combined.
After the dental implant surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort such as:
The dentist will prescribe medication for the pain and provide the patient with tips on how to take proper care of the implants.
Dental implant surgery is an effective way to replace missing teeth and provides the patient with the closest thing to having their natural teeth. If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants, talk to your dentist to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.
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