Having an upcoming appointment on the calendar for dental implants can be exciting – but, if it is your first, there is a good chance you are nervous, too.
Well, you don’t have to wonder what it is all about any longer. Below you will find everything you can expect during your dental implants procedure. Having an idea of how the procedure will go will help quash the nerves – and let your excitement take over.
What are Dental Implants?
For those with missing teeth, dental implants give you an artificial alternative that works and acts just like the real thing. The artificial tooth has a root that is placed into your jaw bone to hold it steadily in place. Once the “root” is implanted, a crown is placed on top.
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or a bridge of multiple teeth. They look natural, too, blending in well with your real teeth. No one will ever know the difference unless you tell them.
Dental implants are a perfect choice because they give you an artificial alternative that:
- Keeps your nearby teeth from moving.
- Allows you to speak and eat like normal.
- Won’t shift, slip, or pop out.
- You clean and brush just like your real teeth.
- Can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant procedures don’t always happen in one visit. Rather, many dentists often break it down into multiple visits so that everything has time to heal properly before moving on.
Before the implant procedure can take place, your dentist will need to remove the current tooth if it is still present. This extraction is usually done directly before the implant procedure.
Once the tooth is extracted, your dental team will make sure that your mouth is numbed thoroughly with local anesthesia in the area where it is to be implanted. A small incision will be made to expose the bone. Then, using a specialized tool, the dentist will drill a hole into the bone to make space for the implant. The “root” or implant will then be screwed in place into the bone.
Your gums will be closed with a couple of stitches until the implant becomes attached to the bone. It is important to note that this process could take several months before the implant is secure within the bone.
Your dentist will give you instructions for aftercare to make sure you have the best success at healing with very minimal complications – if any.
When it is healed, your dental team will place an extension on your implant and take an impression. This will be used to create your crown – your artificial, natural-looking tooth. Models are made, more impressions may be taken, adjustments are done, etc. The idea is to get the perfect fit with the proper alignment. So, be patient as the process could take time.
As soon as your crown is ready, your dental team will place the crown on the implant and examine it to make sure it is the perfect fit.
Dental Implants at Perio Implant Specialists of NJ
Dental implants can not only make your bite feel better and eating easier, but they can also boost your level of confidence. After all, having a smile you are proud of can have an incredible impact on your overall life.
If you have questions about dental implants or would like to see if dental implants are a treatment option that will work for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael C Cabassa, DDS, MSc and his team of professionals.
Taking a step toward improving your oral health is one of the most important steps you can take. Get started today! Call Perio Implant Specialists of NJ at 973-729-9392.