The placement of dental implants is an intricate process involving the insertion of titanium posts into the jawbone. The posts mimic the functions of the natural tooth roots by fusing to the jawbone and support the replacement tooth attached to them. The process involves multiple dental implants, but the process is generally worth the trouble. Continue reading to get an overview of what is involved in placing dental implants.
The number of missing teeth determines the number of implants required. Only one implant is needed for a lost tooth, and four to six implants may be used to support an entire arch of missing teeth.
The process of placing one dental implant lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and about two to three hours for multiple implants. The patient’s condition will determine the length of the procedure and the number of appointments needed. The dentist will perform the needed assessment to obtain information about the patient’s situation.
Before the placement, patients may be administered a course of antibiotics, and intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide might be used to ensure comfort. The dentist will discuss these options during the initial consultation. A local anesthetic will be used around the point of implant placement.
When the patient is at ease, the dentist will create a little incision over the gum tissue to access the bone, open the space with dental tools, and insert the implant post. The head of the implant will protrude slightly through the gum. The dentist may choose to allow the gum tissue to cover the implant completely. The gum tissues will be stitched closed to complete the implant placement.
The healing period follows the implant placement process. The duration is hardly the same for everyone and depends on the health and quantity of the bone. Patients may experience slight pain after the procedure, but the dentist will prescribe medications to relieve the pain. If self-dissolving stitches are not used, patients will return to get the stitches taken out.
Sometimes, a restoration may be attached immediately after implant placement. The dentist will provide suggestions on follow-up care and appointments. After the bone heals around the implant – a process which may take between three to six months – the dentist will place the abutment or a healing cap on the implant. This will guide the gum tissue healing, and the abutment will serve as the connection between the restoration and the implant.
The dentist will take dental impressions and send them to a dental lab to produce the dental crown. Follow-up appointments allow the dentist to monitor healing progress and determine when the time is right to attach the dental restoration. The implant procedure ends once the crown is fitted over the dental implant.
The placement of dental implants is a multi-stage process. Considering that implant restorations look, function, and feel like natural teeth, the lengthy process is usually worth it. If you are considering the procedure, book an appointment with the dentist to discuss eligibility and the process.
Request an appointment here: https://stunningsmilesoflakeforest.com or call Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest at (949) 258-7433 for an appointment in our Lake Forest office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Lake Forest, CA.
While dental implant placement is one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth, there are some scenarios in which these implants cannot be placed. Because dental implant placement requires surgery, there are a few general contraindications that may interfere with the procedure itself. When considering all of the tooth replacement options, it is important…
Learning about dental implant restoration is something everyone who gets one or more dental implants needs to do, as they will need to undergo a restoration process if they happen to damage one of their implants. While it is difficult to damage an implant, it does occasionally happen, putting recipients on alert to take proper…
If you’ve lost a tooth, odds are you’ve at least looked into dental implants. They are one of the most popular alternatives to dentures or bridges. They are sturdier, more pleasant to look at, more pleasant to deal with, and have a tremendous success rate.However, there is a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need…
General dentists offer dental implants to patients with missing teeth to address cosmetic, functional and oral health concerns. Many patients do not know how to prepare for the consultation visit for multiple dental implants, and understanding useful questions to ask your general dentist is helpful. You may have specific questions that are important to you to…
Dental bonding is a common dental procedure that repairs damaged teeth (chips, cracks, etc.), fills in gaps between teeth and lengthens teeth that are worn down or naturally too short. Understanding the process that dentists use with dental bonding should help you decide if treatment is right for you. Although each dentist will have their own…
Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…