Dental implants are the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option available. They allow you to bite with the same force as natural teeth and help prevent bone loss in the jawbone where missing teeth have been.
Implants require a team of specialists to plan and perform the procedure. This includes a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) and a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist).
Preparation
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, patients should prepare by visiting their dentist to discuss the procedure. The dentist should also review the patient’s medical history and any medications that are taken regularly, including over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals. This helps the dentist determine if any of the medications may interfere with a successful implant outcome. Patients should also make sure to visit their primary care doctor for a full medical evaluation and blood work before undergoing implant surgery.
Once the dentist has a complete picture of a patient’s oral health, they will make a treatment plan. This is customized to the specific needs of each patient and takes into account things like how many teeth need replacing, as well as the state of the jawbone and remaining teeth. It is important for patients to understand that not everyone is a strong candidate for implants, because the procedure requires a certain amount of healthy bone material. In some cases, the dentist will recommend a bone graft to improve the bone material at the surgical site before placing an implant.
During the implant process, the dentist will first numb the mouth using local anesthesia. Next, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone and create space for the implant screw. Lastly, the implant screw is placed into the bone, and a metal spacer (called an abutment) is added to hold the crown.
Following implant surgery, it is important for the patient to eat soft foods and liquids. The dentist will advise the patient on a diet that promotes healing and will suggest any necessary follow-up appointments. It is important for patients to schedule these appointments and attend them on time, because ignoring complications can transform them into serious issues that could impact the success of the implant.
Finally, it is a good idea for patients to prepare by clearing their calendars and getting a friend or family member to drive them to the surgery and help for the first day or two afterward. This is because patients will be exhausted and a bit foggy following the surgery, and they will need someone to be able to get them home safely.
Surgery
If you decide to get dental implant surgery, your dentist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. They’ll review your medical history and take X-rays and 3D imaging to evaluate the status of your jawbone and remaining teeth. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough for implant support, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the area. This procedure involves taking a piece of bone from another part of your body, usually the hip or jawbone, and adding it to the site of the missing tooth. The graft is allowed to heal for two to six months.
Once the graft has healed, your oral surgeon will schedule an appointment for the actual surgery. They’ll give you anesthesia to numb the area before making an incision. They’ll then use a series of tools to create an opening in the jawbone for the implant and prepare the area by widening it until it’s the right size for the implant.
Next, the titanium implant is placed into the site and a “healing cap” is placed on top. The implant is now ready for your future dental restoration, which can be either removable dentures or fixed teeth that screw into the abutment. If you choose to have fixed teeth, we’ll make a model of your bite so that the crown can be built precisely around the implant and abutment.
You’ll need to avoid smoking or chewing hard foods because this can damage the implant. We’ll also instruct you to keep the surgical area clean and to brush and floss regularly. After your treatment, you’ll have three-month and annual appointments to check for infection, inflammation or other problems. If these aren’t treated in time, they can transform into severe issues that threaten the success of your dental implant.