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5 Essential Steps Involved in Dental Implant Treatment

5 Essential Steps Involved

Missing teeth can give way to multiple oral health issues. This is why it is crucial to opt for a suitable tooth replacement option, like dental implants. These artificial teeth are a game changer in the dentistry world, as they offer benefits like no other procedure did. Therefore, everyone chooses this treatment to prevent dental bone loss and restore the function of their teeth.

The advantages of dental implants are many, but what about the procedure? In this article, we’ll go over the surgical procedure and how long it takes. Continue reading to learn the step-by-step process of getting dental implants.

Dental Implants: What’s the Procedure?

The dental implant procedure could last between 3 to 9 months. You will be under anesthesia during the process, which means there will be little to no discomfort. With multiple steps, this treatment involves evaluation, implant placement, osseointegration, abutment placement, and more. Here are the steps involved in dental implants surgery:

1. Evaluation

First, your implant dentist or oral surgeon will thoroughly examine your oral health condition. This might include X-rays, impressions, and matching the implant to your natural teeth. Furthermore, you might need additional planning or consultation with dental specialists to determine the number of implants you require. If you are a suitable candidate, the oral surgeon will consider all your medical conditions and medications. You might need antibiotics prior to the dental implant surgery to prevent infection.

2. Tooth Extraction

After your implant dentist has examined your condition, they’ll proceed with the next step. You might have had your tooth removed before considering dental implants. If not, your dentist will perform the tooth extraction procedure. Sometimes, the oral surgeon might proceed with implant insertion on the same day, given that your oral health is good enough.

3. Dental Implant Insertion

Now, it is time to insert the artificial tooth. Getting dental implants might require a bone graft if your jaw is not strong or thick enough. This is necessary because you need a healthy jawbone to protect the implant against the pressure of chewing. After that, your dentist will wait for the bone to heal.

Your oral surgeon will place the dental implant once your jawbone has recovered. Then, the jawbone grows around the implant, becoming a part of your natural gum line. Known as osseointegration, the timespan for this process will vary from person to person and can take from 3 to 9 months.

4. Placing the Abutment

When the osseointegration is complete for the dental implant, you can look forward to abutment placement. This is an important piece to connect your implant to the dental crown. Your abutment placement will depend on your implant treatment. Moreover, the oral surgeon will tighten it to ensure it stays in position while you eat. The dentist may add a healing cap that helps prevent the tissue and bone from growing over the abutment.

5. Dental Crown

Lastly, your dental implant dentist will place the crown after the gums heal. You can opt for a removable or permanent implant. Thus, talk to your oral surgeon about the best option for you.

Dental Implants Recovery Period

Since the dental implant procedure involves work on your gums and jaw, it is bound to cause discomfort. Thus, you might experience swollen gums and face, minor bleeding, pain, or bruised gums. Dental specialists will recommend antibiotics or pain medications after the surgery. Consult your dentist right away if your discomfort increases.

Other than this, you’ll need to have soft foods after each step. Your oral surgeon might call you again to remove the stitches in case they didn’t use the self-dissolving ones.

The Closing Word

Dental implant surgery includes multiple steps, which take around 3 to 9 months. Your oral surgeon will instruct you on the aftercare tips for safe and healthy recovery. For more information, consult your implant dentist.
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