Dental Implant Procedure Explained

Dental implantation is a gift by modern dental technology. The implants look and function muck like the real teeth, but are easier to use and more enduring than the dentures. As such, more and more people are now turning to dental implantation as a cure for their dental problem. If you are one of these people, you may first would like to know about the exact dental implant procedure. This article will explain the procedure in detail and give you some advice to go with.

Consulting Your Dentist Before Anything Else

You need to get your dental condition carefully examined before you receive implants. Aside from your dental condition, your dentist may also need to know about your medical history and current medications, if any. This initial assessment will help determine whether implants are suitable for you.

You consultation with your dentist will also help to determine the right implant procedure and the exact form of implants to be used. As patients' jaw conditions and medical conditions vary, the selection of implant type is just as important as the actual implant procedure. In some cases, bone grafting or antibiotics is required before implantation.

Inserting the Implants

This is the first step in the whole procedure. Usually, dental implants are made of titanium, as this material merges well with our jawbones most of the time. However, there are occasions where implants are rejected eventually.

If you have insufficient jawbone, you may have to undergo bone grafting before the implant procedure. If you have enough sturdy jawbones, the implant procedure may proceed directly. After receiving anesthesia, your gum is opened and the jawbone is drilled. The implant is then inserted followed by the stitching of the gum opening.

Healing After the First Step

After implants being placed, you need to wait for a few months before the next step. This healing period is necessary for your bone to grow around and merge with the implant. In some cases, this healing process will take as long as six months.

Attaching the Post

When the jawbone has perfectly merged with the implant, the dentist will attach the post to hold the crown or artificial tooth. This is done by making another opening on your gum, and the post is then attached to the implant. Again, you need to wait for the gums to heal around the post and this may take a few weeks.

Placing the Crown

When your gum gets healed, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and make the right crown. The aim is for the crown to have the same or similar color and appearance to your missing tooth. The crown is placed on the post.

The dental implant procedure is a straightforward one to most patients. What most people do not realise is that it could take as long as eight months to finalise the whole process. Whatever you feel about it, it is always important to find an experienced dentist to do the job for you. With an expert, the success of your implantation is more assured.