Having a missing tooth or teeth can make you self-conscious, alter the shape of your face and throw your bite out of alignment. Although several options are available to restore a smile, dentists often recommend dental implants.
One of the first questions patients ask is, ‘How are dental implants done’? when their dentist prescribes this procedure. Traditional dental implant surgery requires several steps and can take months to complete; however, you may have All-on-4 dental implants completed in one appointment if you need an entire dental arch of replacement teeth.
Familiarise yourself with the dental implant procedure and schedule a free dental consultation near you to get started.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant looks like a small screw and is essentially a replacement for a tooth or teeth. Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone where your original tooth was located. The implant is a base for an artificial crown and is nearly indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Dental implants can also be used to replace multiple teeth at once. An implant bridge uses a few implant posts to affix a dental bridge to replace several teeth in a row. An implant-supported denture, also called an All-on-4 dental implant, replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw and is secured using four dental implants.
How Are Dental Implants Done?
When a dentist is asked, ‘How are dental implants done?’ their response will differ depending on how many teeth their patient is having replaced. Available Dental Care offers both traditional and All-on-4 dental implant surgery treatments.
Traditional dental implant surgery
Most people getting dental implants will have traditional dental implant surgery. Dental implant options include both endosteal and subperiosteal dental implants.
The most common type is endosteal implants. Endosteal dental implants are embedded into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants rest on the jawbone and are used when there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant.
The first step in your dental implant surgery is an evaluation from your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth, teeth and gums and take an X-ray to determine the best placement of your dental implants.
The next step in the dental implant procedure is for the dentist to place the dental implant in your gums during a surgical procedure. After your dentist inserts the dental implant post, you undergo a recovery period to let your bone heal and fuse to the implant.
Once the implant is stable, your dentist creates a new artificial tooth to affix to the implant by screwing or cementing it into place.
In some cases, the dental implant procedure cannot occur until your dentist performs preparatory procedures. These may include a jawbone graft, sinus lift, or extraction. You can get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to determine if you need additional dental work before starting the dental implant procedure.
All-on-4 dental implants
The All-On-4 dental implant procedure varies from the traditional treatment. While the conventional dental implant procedure may take between three and six months, an All-on-4 treatment can be completed in one visit.
All-on-4 dental implants are ideal for people who don’t have many teeth remaining or whose teeth are damaged and must be extracted. You visit your dentist for an initial consultation for this dental implant procedure and attend one surgical appointment.
A computer-guided machine places four implant posts into your gums during your surgery appointment. Then, your dentist attaches a complete set of artificial teeth to your dental implants, which gives you a fully restored and functional smile. In most cases, you have your dental implants put in and resume your natural eating activities on the same day.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implant Surgery
Dental Implants look and feel just like your natural teeth, but they’re not for everyone. Some of the benefits of the dental implant procedure are:
Pros
A straighter, healthier smile
Long-lasting
Clearer speech
Easier biting and chewing
Stimulate jawbone growth
Minimally invasive surgery
Confidence boost
Cons
Risk of infection if not maintained
Can’t be whitened
Patients with excessive damage to their jawbone may require bone grafting or a sinus lift before getting the dental implant procedure. Other patients who may not be a perfect match for dental implants are smokers or patients with certain autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or oral autoimmune disease.
Learning the risks and benefits before beginning the implant procedure ensures that you get the best treatment for your oral health and overall well-being. As with any other surgery, you may experience discomfort or swelling afterwards. Your dentist may also recommend eating soft foods for several days post-surgery.
Dental Implants At Available Dental Care
Learning how are dental implants done can help you prepare for your dental implant procedure. Contact a dentist that offers a free consultation at Available Dental Care to learn more about the dental implant procedure and determine whether dental implants are the right solution for restoring your smile. Call us today on (02) 4062 8763.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
