Dental implants is the safest, most popular way of replacing a missing tooth. Usually however, the whole implant procedure takes months to be completed. The procedure is done in stages and involves atleast 2 months of healing time. There is another method called immediate dental implants where it is done right after the damaged tooth was extracted. The goal of using this method is to keep as much bone mass as possible. This method is usually used when one upper front tooth has undegone trauma or if the tooth or teeth have decayed or the tooth root that’s left is not long enough to hold a crown. When the procedure is done, it will look as if you never lost a tooth. You will continue to enjoy beautiful, real-looking teeth that is as strong as your real teeth.
With the help of your dental impression or x-ray the implant dentist can determine if the patient can have dental implants. They will evaluate the adjacent teeth and check if there are signs of periodontal disease. X-rays can help the dentist measure the bone width and height and root position.
Local anesthetics is used in a dental implant procedure. The tooth root that’s left is removed and the gum tissue is repositioned. The area where the dental implant is going to be placed is prepared with a drill. Then the implant is planted using a special equipment. The gums are closed with sutures. A tmporary tooth is used to cap the implant while it is healing and while osseointegration is happening. The patient may feel a little discomfort after the procedure. After a week, the sutures are removed and the patient can resume normal dental care.
If the implant was made on the upper jaw, the healing process takes five to six months. But for implants made on the lower jaw it is expected to heal for only three to four months. After the healing period, an abutment and an artificial crown will be placed on top of it to make it look like natural tooth. Soon you’ll forget that you had an artificial toth implanted.
Since implants are artificial, they will not decay but they can still be a good place for bacteria to hide, causing gum disease or decay to neighboring teeth. Therefore, good oral care and dental check ups are still necessary.
