Dental implants are an increasingly popular way of replacing missing teeth, offering numerous advantages and a natural appearance. Dental implants provide a permanent solution that does away with dentures or bridges while protecting nearby teeth and jawbone health.
But, dental implants procedures dо require surgery; during this process, patients must follow all instructions tо prevent complications from arising.
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Preparation
At this initial phase, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination to identify any underlying issues that could impact implant results, often through X-rays and visual analyses. They will determine if you have sufficient bone tissue support for implants as well as treat any existing dental issues accordingly.
Your dentist will provide detailed recovery instructions, including a soft food diet, to ensure you heal optimally following an implant procedure. Following these guidelines is critical in order to reduce inflammation and infection at the implant site and speed healing. During healing, the implant will fuse with jawbone in a process called osseointegration (os-ee-oh-IN-tuh-GRAY-shun), creating a solid base for replacement teeth. At first you may experience some pain or discomfort; these symptoms should subside within days or so.
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Anesthesia
Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform implant insertion surgery using local anesthesia to numb the region, similar to when having teeth extracted or dental fillings done.
Before placing an implant, the dentist or surgeon may add a bone graft to ensure there is sufficient bone mass to support its presence.
If the procedure uses inhalation sedation (commonly referred to as laughing gas), patients will breathe through a mask containing nitrous oxide and oxygen, providing powerful pain-relief properties and producing low drowsiness levels in patients receiving this form of sedation. As these patients require someone else’s transportation home after receiving such treatments, someone needs to accompany them home after each procedure.
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Implant Placement
Dental implant procedures may appear daunting or daunting at first, but being familiar with each step can give you greater peace of mind throughout your treatment plan.
At the outset of any procedure involving dental implants, an evaluation must take place to ascertain if you qualify as a good candidate for implant restorations. Your dentist will take X-rays and CT scans of your jawbone structure.
In cases where jawbone density in an implant site is too soft or thin, your dentist may suggest bone grafting – this process involves using either natural or artificial bone to reinforce and fill in any missing areas in order to make placement possible.
Numbing the area first, your dentist will make an incision to expose the underlying bone. They will drill a hole into this surface layer of bone before inserting a titanium implant body secured with an abutment connector.
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Implants are one of the strongest and most natural-looking tooth replacement options available today, yet like any dental procedure they do present potential risks for patients to consider.
First and foremost, smokers face an increased risk of implant failure as tobacco restricts blood flow to their jawbone and may damage it. They also experience a longer healing process due to their habit.
Smoking isn’t the only cause of implant failure – vitamin D deficiency or osteoarthritis may weaken and compromise the structure of your bones, further contributing to their breakdown.
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Restoration
Your dentist will reopen your gum to expose the implant, then attach an abutment –a small connector which holds dental crowns– to it.
Next, your implant will gradually fuse with and integrate with your jawbone through osseointegration – creating what looks and feels like an entirely natural tooth! Once this process completes, your implant will look and function just like any natural tooth would.
After your procedure, it will be important to take steps to maintain good dental health after implant surgery. Brush and floss regularly around your implant site while visiting your dentist regularly for checkups; these appointments will allow them to identify any potential issues early and make sure it functions as intended without compromising surrounding teeth or gums.
