Dental Implant Procedure Explained

Many people are getting dental implants as a cure for their dental problems. Dental implants are preferred over dentures because they not only look and function like real teeth but also are convenient and enduring. For some, the understanding of the exact dental implant procedure is perhaps something that will help them make the decision.

Talking to Your Dentist

Before you receive implants, your dentist will have to carefully assess your dental condition. He will also ask about your existing medical conditions, medical history and medications being taken. Your initial interview and check-up will help determine if you are a good candidate for implants.

Aside from determining your fitness, knowing your dental and health conditions will allow your dentist to determine the right procedure and approach for you. There are different forms of implants depending on a patient's jaw condition. Some may also require bone grafting or antibiotics 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.

Before the implantation, bone grafting is a must step for patients with insufficient jawbones. Others can proceed to the implantation directly. As can be imagined, anesthesia is used before the dentist opens your gum and drills your jawbone. This is followed by the placement of implants and the stitching of your gum opening.

Healing

After the first step, you would be asked to wait for a couple of months before the next step. This is to give enough time for the bone to grow around and merge with the implant. At the most, this waiting period may last for as long as half a year.

Placing 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.

Crown Placement

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.

To some people, the dental implant procedure may seem straightforward. To others, however, it may sound complex and may take much more time than they have expected. Whatever you think, the key is to find a qualified dentist to do it for you. The success of your implantation is more assured at the hands of an expert.

If you would like to dig further on dental implant procedure, be sure you visit our site about dental implants. You can also benefit from checking out our main site for complete guide on dental care.