An Oral Surgeon Can Help Your Confidence Using Dental Implants

If you are missing one or several of your teeth, using dental implants can improve your smile. People prefer implants for many reasons. These reasons can include both functionality of your bite and your aesthetic appearance. Your oral surgeon will help you regain the smile that you want and need.

Dental implants overview

Dental implants are titanium posts or frames. Surgery places these into the jawbone, under the gums. Once the implants are in place, a dentist can use them as a base to attach replacement teeth.

Who is a candidate for implants?

Dental implants replace one, several, or all of a person’s missing teeth. Implants can also replace dentures or bridges. A good candidate is a person who has healthy gums and a jawbone that is no longer growing. Even if a person has lost a lot of bone density in the jawbone, they may still be a candidate for implants. Grafting procedures can help rebuild lost bone. Implants can also help prevent further bone deterioration.

How does the procedure start?

The first step for dental implants is having a comprehensive dental exam, which may include dental X-rays and 3D images. Dentists might make models of the teeth and jaw. They will then take a patient’s full medical history. This will include any medical conditions or medications the patient is taking. Antibiotics may be prescribed before the surgery to prevent infection. The individual receiving treatment will have a surgical plan created.

What is the surgery like?

A patient’s mouth will undergo numbing with local anesthesia. Then, the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gums in order to expose the bone. Once ready, a drill will be used to create a space for the dental implant. The dental implant will be screwed into this space. Once in, a secondary component will be screwed into the implant and will remain there while the patient heals. The gums are then closed and the surgeon may need to put a stitch or two in place.

What is the next step?

After the implant has had a chance to attach itself to the bone, the second phase will begin. This normally occurs a few months after the initial surgery. The surgeon will need to re-expose the implant. This may involve reopening the patient’s gum unless a secondary component was added. The implant will have a small extension placed on it in order to create an impression for the dental lab. This is used to make the crown that will eventually attach to the implant.

What happens after surgery?

The final step in the procedure is placing a patient’s new crown on the implant. Sometimes, the dentist will try the new crown before it is finished. This allows for testing the shape and size before permanent placement. Once the crown is complete, the dentist will place it on a dental implant. This gives a permanent solution to missing teeth.

Implants can restore smiles

If you have decided to get a dental implant to improve your smile, then it is time to take the next step. Make an appointment with your dentist to get a consultation and begin the procedure. Remember that the process will take months, so be patient and prepare for your new smile.

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