Losing one or more teeth can be devastating and life-changing, but dental implants allow you to restore full dental functions and the appearance of your smile. They offer a more natural tooth replacement option than other tooth replacement options. The dental implant procedure involves the insertion of metal, screw-like posts into the jawbone to replace the root of the lost tooth, and provide support for an artificial tooth.
The dental implant procedure is available at Michiana Family Dental in South Bend and the surrounding area. To get dental implants, you must be in good health and have healthy and adequate bone density. Contact our office at 574-349-2073 for a consultation.
The process of placing dental implants depends on the condition of the patient. The procedure takes multiple stages spread over several months to ensure the success of the implant procedure and the patient's comfort. The uniqueness of dental implants is in their fusion with the jawbone. This fusion is known as osseointegration and accounts for most of the treatment time. The entire procedure is simple and straightforward.
The first stage entails a meeting with the dentist for a consultation. During this meeting, the dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including x-rays, CT scans, oral exams, and dental impressions, to determine the patient's eligibility for dental implants and prepare them for the procedure. The x-rays and 3D scans show the condition of the jawbone.
The dentist will need to know the patient's medical history, every medication they currently use, including supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter meds. Patients who have health conditions may receive antibiotics ahead of the procedure to prevent infection. If any oral condition is present, patients will need to undergo treatment before getting dental implants.
Afterward, the dentist will discuss the treatment plan with the patient, including the timeline, the different stages, and aftercare instructions. If a bone graft is necessary (to augment the volume of the jawbone), the dentist will inform the patient. The treatment plan considers the number of missing teeth and the condition of existing teeth and jawbone. If the patient suffers from dental anxiety, the dentist will take necessary measures to keep the patient as comfortable throughout the procedure.
During the initial consultation, patients will be able to discuss their fears and concerns with the dentist. You can ask about the risks of infection, implant rejection, potential allergies, and possible nerve damage. For clarification, you can also ask the dentist about measures to take to ensure the long-term success of the dental implants. The essence of the initial consultation is for patients to get all the information they need before proceeding with the treatment.
Ahead of the implant placement, patients can do the following to make the process as seamless as possible:
During the procedure, the dentist will make an incision over the gums to reveal the bone. They will put the implant post at the site of the lost tooth. Although every patient is different, most people discover that the discomfort is less than they anticipated. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to manage pain after the procedure.
After the implant placement, there will be a gap at the site of tooth loss. The dentist may place a temporary implant for cosmetic purposes, if necessary. Osseointegration starts immediately and could take several months because the jawbone must integrate with the dental implant to serve as a sturdy foundation of the new artificial tooth.
After osseointegration is over, the dentist will place the abutment, which is the piece that connects the crown to the implant. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and takes about an hour. It is also possible to place the abutment immediately after implantation. After placing the abutment, the gum will need some time to heal before attaching the crown.
After the gums heal, the dentist will take additional impressions of the teeth and oral cavity, which will be used to fabricate the new artificial tooth. Patients can decide between fixed and removable tooth prostheses. Removable artificial teeth attach to a metal frame held by the abutment and snap firmly into place. It can be removed easily for routine cleaning and repairs.
A fixed dental prosthesis is screwed or cemented permanently onto the abutment. The prosthesis can only be taken out by a dentist.
After the procedure, patients may need to use pain meds and antibiotics to relieve pain and fight infections. If discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms worsen following the procedure, the patient needs to contact the dentist as soon as possible. Until the stitches heal, it is advisable to stick to a diet of soft foods.
Excellent oral hygiene is essential to prolong the lifetime of dental restoration. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, going to the dentist for cleaning and checkup, and avoiding harmful oral habits such as smoking or chewing hard substances.
Dental implants help to prevent the resorption of osseous tissues by providing the stimulation needed to keep the jawbone alive and healthy. By filling the gap left by a lost tooth, implants prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.
The dental implant procedure is safe, but like any other dental procedure, it has its risks. Typically, dental implants have a success rate of up to 95 percent, but the success depends on factors such as the patient, the dentist, the techniques used, and the number of implants involved. When done by an experienced dentist, the risks of the procedure are minimal.
To learn more about the dental implant procedure, call our office at 574-349-2073 to request an appointment.
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With the techniques available and aftercare tips, many patients experience minimal pain throughout the process. In most cases, they can resume their routine the following day. Although bruising and pain may occur, they usually last for only a short time.
Yes. Implants are as secure and reliable as the natural teeth. By the end of the treatment, you will be able to eat your favorite meals. Generally, it will be hard to tell the difference between dental implants and natural teeth.
The average treatment period is three to six months. Most of the time is taken up by the osseointegration process. The treatment time usually depends on the patient and the complexity of the situation.
There is a good chance that you are eligible for dental implants. However, the dentist will determine your eligibility by performing different examinations. You need to schedule an initial consultation to get started with the process.
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