Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures for many people that need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant is matched to your own teeth so they are custom made to blend as a permanent part of your smile. The implants are designed to look natural, as though you never lost a tooth in the first place.
Step One : Evaluation
The process starts by determining if you are a good candidate for an implant. Potential candidates are patients that have thicker bone density in the jawbone. This allows for the dental implant to be adequately supported. If you are told your jaw bone is lacking in density to properly hold a dental implant, this won't automatically cancel you out from having the procedure done. Some patients can have a procedure done that places a bone graft where the currently missing tooth is. This will often create the necessary platform for the implant to work. If you find you are not a candidate for either an implant or a bone graft, there are options such as dentures and bridges to restore your smile.
Step Two : Dental Implant Placement
The majority of dental implant procedures are done in-office with your dentist. Only on rare occasions will the implants need to be done in a hospital setting. Local anesthesia is used for the outpatient procedures most commonly. If the doctor and patient have discussed, other forms of sedation such as nitrous oxide or an sedative administered by intravenous methods may be used. At this stage the bone graft as well as the implant placement may be performed at the same time. Each placement procedure is unique to the health and needs of the patient, and there is not a "one-size-fits-all" to this procedure. A thin rod, usually made of titanium will be attached to the jawbone, under the gum-line area of the tooth or teeth that are missing. The rod will now perform the same function as the tooth root. The average time for the rod to fuse to the jawbone is several months. This is called "osseointergration." This is necessary to make the implant sturdy and permanent in the mouth.
Step Three: Dental Crown Placement Dental Procedure
Once the implant rod has fused to the jawbone, the final step in the implant process can occur. This is referred as "implant restoration." Which is the final placement of the permanent crown. Your dental professional will determine whether or not the titanium rod is properly fused to the jawbone before proceeding with this step. Then the dental crown, which has been custom designed to blend with your other natural teeth, will be fixed to the top of the implant.
Step Four: Aftercare
After your implant procedure, you will most likely be told to have only cold drink and to avoid hot food and drink the first 24-hours after surgery. Don't disturb the area where the implant occurred with your tongue or fingers. Most patients are told to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for the first 48-hours after the procedure.
Some patients experience some swelling and bruising. Usually there is a peak by the third day after the implant. Ice packs used for ten minutes at a time will help reduce swelling. Sleeping propped up is also helpful. Pain is usually not an issue. There is often a very mild soreness after the dental implant, which is usually handled with over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen. The stitches used in the procedure dissolve, but it can take up to 3 weeks in some cases.
Step 5: Keep it Clean
Unless you are told otherwise by your dentist, you can begin cleaning your other teeth as normally. Avoid brushing the surgical site the first few days, then once the tenderness has subsided, you should be able to carefully clean the area. During the healing process, rinse your mouth after eating to avoid having any food collect in the implant area.
Dental implants are a common procedure, and while there is a high success rate, it's not 100%. Talking to your dentist and asking questions is the best way to make sure your dental implant procedure is successful. Make sure you thoroughly understand your aftercare, and if you aren't sure, just ask your dental professional.
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