Dental implants are a popular treatment to replace missing teeth. Common questions that patients with missing teeth ask are how are dental implants done, and what does dental implant surgery entail?
Dental implants are titanium rods that are placed into the jaw via surgery. Over time, the bone grows around the implant, anchoring it securely in place. After the implant is in place, the dentist attaches a dental prosthetic.
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants, learn what is involved.
How are Dental Implants Done? The Dental Implant Procedure
Understanding how dental implants are done can help you decide which restorative treatment is best for your oral health. The steps involved in the dental implant procedure include:
Initial Consultation
Schedule a visit to get a free consultation at your local dental clinic. During the consultation, your dentist will collect information about your medical history and current oral health. They may also take X-rays or other imaging scans of your mouth to get a better view of your teeth and jawbone.
Based on this information, they will develop a dental implant procedure tailored to your individual needs.
Available Dental Care offers high-tech imaging services that can provide detailed views of your mouth and teeth. We also offer various dental implant surgery options, including single unit and All-on-4 implants, depending on your smile goals and oral health needs.
At this time, you may also want to ask your dentist specific questions about the dental implant procedure, such as how long it will take and if you need any other surgeries.
Preparatory Procedures
Several preparatory procedures are necessary before dental implant surgery:
- If there is not enough bone present in the jaw, you may need a bone graft to provide a solid foundation for the implant.
- Your dentist may also prescribe a sinus lift may if there is insufficient thickness in the upper jaw. This procedure involves adding bone to the sinus cavity to create more space for the implant.
- Any teeth present in the area where the dental implants will be placed must be extracted.
Embedding the Implant Post
Dental implant surgery generally involves the following steps:
- You are sedated using a local anaesthetic, and the level of sedation will be determined by your needs and preferences. At Available Dental Care, we offer inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation. Both sedation techniques ensure that you are conscious throughout the procedure but deeply relaxed.
- Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then drill an access hole into the bone.
- The implant post features screw-like threads so your dentist can easily secure the post in place.
- Once the post is in place, your dentist sutures the wound closed and adds a healing cap to protect the site during the initial healing phase. Then, the osseointegration process begins. This is the process by which the bone and implant fuse together over several months.
Adding the Abutment
This second minor dental implant surgery takes about two weeks to heal.
- The gum tissue is opened up to access the implant.
- The abutment is placed on top of the implant, and the gum tissue is sutured closed.
Placing the Restoration
Depending on the number of missing teeth you need to be replaced, there are several types of dental restorations, including single-unit crowns, implant-supported bridges, and All-on-4 denture plates.
At Available Dental Care, we offer CEREC restorations made from a block of tooth-coloured solid zirconia ceramic. CEREC crowns and bridges can be completed in a single visit, and are more affordable than traditional restoration.
CEREC works using CAD/CAM technology to scan your mouth and create a3D representation of your restoration. The data is sent to our on-site milling machine, which fabricates your custom crown or bridge in minutes. Your dentist can then cement the restoration onto the abutment to complete the dental implant procedure.
Get a Free Dental Consultation Near You in Campbelltown
If you’re looking for a dentist that offers a free consultation in Campbelltown for dental implant surgery, look no further than Available Dental Care. Our qualified dentists can answer your questions about how dental implants are done and provide you with the comprehensive care you need to keep your smile looking its best.
Contact us on (02) 4062 8763 today to book your free dental implant surgery consultation to learn more about dental implants and how they can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental crown procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure
Dental Implants: What to Expect, Complications, Procedure, and FAQs
https://askthedentist.com/dental-implants/