Going for a Dental Implant Procedure? What to Expect
Once a patient decides to go with the most effective way to replace missing teeth, the person might find themselves wondering about what to expect during the dental implant procedure. The types of questions people wonder about usually include: Does it hurt? How long will it take to recover? Is it painful?
The reality is: Getting implants is much more straightforward and pain-free than most people seem to think.
Here is a breakdown of the different stages a patient has to go through when getting these devices.
What to expect during the dental implant procedure
1. X-rays
Before commencing with the installation of an implant, the dentist needs to make sure the patient has enough healthy jawbone tissue to hold the prosthetic in place. A 3D CT, panoramic X-rays or traditional X-rays are typically used to see what is going on in the patient’s jawbone.
2. Oral impression
Once a dentist determines that a patient is a good candidate for implants, an impression of the person’s mouth is taken. This usually includes an impression of the soft tissue, gums and teeth. This is done by giving the patient a mouth tray that is filled with a soft liquid like polyvinyl siloxane or alginate to bite down on. This sets after a minute or two after being exposed to air, creating a rubbery impression of the person’s mouth. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where the various components of the implant are created.
3. Implant installation
During the installation process of the dental implant procedure, the dentist will drill a hole into the patient’s jawbone. The sensation the patient will experience is similar to that of getting a root canal done. The oral surgeon might also need to cut through the person’s gum to expose the jawbone.
A screw, known as an implant, is then inserted deep inside the patient’s jawbone. It functions as an artificial root for the prosthetic tooth that will be placed on it.
Bone grafts are occasionally used by dentists during the installation phase if the patient does not have enough healthy bone tissue, but most oral professionals prefer using artificial bone material. The insertion of an implant takes about an hour or so.
At times, temporary crowns are placed on the implants when they are installed. This is usually reserved for patients with lots of healthy jawbone tissue. A healing cap is often used in connection with temporary crowns to prevent soft and bone tissue from growing over the implant.
4. Crown placement
Once the patient’s jawbone heals, a crown is placed on the external-facing end of the implant. This part is known as an abutment. It can take anywhere between three to six months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration.
And there it is: the entire procedure for dental implants from start to finish. Think you are a good candidate for dental implants? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!
Request an appointment in our San Antonio dentist office here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com.
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