What Is the Process for Getting Dental Implants?
Are you considering dental implants? Many people find that dental implants are a great solution for missing or damaged teeth. If you are a good candidate for them, dental implants can provide an array of benefits.
Dental implants can be an excellent option for adults who are missing one or more teeth. The jaw bone should be fully grown before implants are placed. Once placed, dental implants can last your entire life! Good implants will look and feel like normal teeth. By replacing a missing, damaged, or unhealthy tooth, an implant can help prevent bone loss and it can improve the stability of the teeth around it. Dental implants can also be more comfortable than other tooth-replacement options.
So, what is the process for getting dental implants?
1. Consultation
Before the implantation process begins, you will schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. During this appointment, you will learn about dental implants and the pros and cons of receiving them. Your dental practitioner will conduct a thorough examination of your jawbone and will evaluate your overall health to make sure that you are a good candidate for receiving implants.
Prepare for your consultation ahead of time by writing down any questions you don’t want to forget to ask your dentist. Armed with a good understanding of what to expect, you can work with your dentist or oral surgeon to make a treatment plan that is right for you.
2. Tooth removal
Once you are approved for dental implantation, preparation for the implants can begin. Any teeth that need replacing will be extracted. A numbing agent will ensure that you don’t feel pain during the procedure, and your dentist will talk to you about using anesthesia.
3. Bone grafting
Sometimes, the jawbone is too thin or soft to safely support an implant. If this is the case, your surgeon may suggest bone grafting to strengthen your jawbone. This process involves grafting bone material (either harvested from another place in your body, or synthetic bone material) onto the jawbone, to bolster it. This creates a sturdier base for the dental implant. Depending on how much bone needs to be grafted, this step can sometimes be completed during the implant insertion.
4. Implant insertion
When it is time for the implant to be inserted, a titanium post will be placed into your jawbone. Natural teeth have roots that hold them into place. Your implant post will mimic the roots of a natural tooth. Your oral surgeon will carefully drill a hole into your jawbone so that the post can be inserted.
Once the implant is inserted, you will have to wait for your jawbone to grow and attach to the implant post.
5. Placing the abutments
When your bone has attached to the post, it will be time to place the piece that connects the post to your new tooth. This is called an abutment. Your gums will need some time to heal after the abutments are placed.
6. Inserting your new teeth!
Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth so that custom replacement crowns (teeth) can be made. You can choose to have permanent or removable crowns placed.
Once this step is complete, you can enjoy your new teeth for years to come!
If you are looking for the best clinic for dental implants in Ellicott City, you have come to the right place! You can contact Ellicott City Dentistry at 410-465-3021.
