Replacing lost or missing teeth doesn’t have to be about dentures anymore. There are dental implants that offer a more permanent solution for teeth replacement. As long as you have healthy gums and enough jawbone density, your Thornton family dentist may consider the option. The dentist will also consider other aspects, like whether you have a lifestyle disease or are a heavy smoker. In this post, we are sharing the various steps in the dental implant procedure.
- The initial consultation: Your dentist will first check and evaluate your oral health to determine whether you are the right candidate for the treatment. The entire dental implant procedure can require multiple appointments, and you may have to wait for a few months before getting replacement teeth. Your dentist will take additional 3D images besides X-rays to evaluate the condition of your gums and existing teeth.
- Oral surgery: Implants made of titanium are placed in the gum sockets of your missing teeth. The step involves oral surgery, for which your dentist will use local anesthesia. Your dentist will determine the best positions for the implant posts and perform the surgery in the clinic. It can take up to 12 weeks or more for the jawbone to heal, and you may have to come in between for checkups.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implants are in place, your dentist will place an abutment on each post, which will work as the connector for your replacement teeth. After the abutments have been fixed, it can take another two weeks for the gum tissues to heal.
- Getting replacement teeth: Depending on your condition, you may need a dental bridge or implant-supported dentures to replace your missing teeth. The process is extremely simple, and your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to get prosthetic teeth from a lab.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
No. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Even during oral surgery, your dentist will use local anesthesia, and you can share other concerns with your dentist.
Final word
Dental implants offer several advantages over dentures. The latter can slip or move around, which may make it hard to eat or talk normally. Because the prosthetic teeth are fixed to the implant posts, there are no additional problems, and as long as you follow your dentist’s advice, implants can last a lifetime. You may have to return for a final appointment for a comprehensive oral health assessment. Check online now to find out more about implants and schedule a meeting.