The Dental Implant Process: A Step-By-Step Guide
Are you considering the use of dental implants to replace your missing or severely damaged teeth? If so, you may be wondering exactly what is involved in this dental process. The step-by-step guide below can help to answer any questions you may have regarding what to expect throughout this process.
Step 1: Creating A Mold
One of the reasons that dental implants look so natural is that the crowns that are placed on these implants are actually custom made using your real teeth as a mold. This allows the implant to perfectly mimic the size and shape of your natural teeth.
In order to allow for the fabrication of custom crowns, the first thing your dentist will need to do is to create a mold of your entire mouth. This process can be completed in a matter of minutes and will not cause you any pain or discomfort.
Step 2: Extracting Damaged Teeth
Once your dentist has captured a mold of your teeth and surrounding tissue, they will need to extract all of the teeth that you plan on replacing with implants. These extractions will all be completed in one visit, even if you need multiple teeth removed. This allows the healing process to begin, and therefore finish, as quickly as possible.
The process of having damaged teeth extracted can be quite uncomfortable and may result in pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following the procedure. These symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. However, any signs of infection, such as redness, excessive swelling, or gums that feel warm to the touch should be reported to your dentist right away.
Once your gums have completely healed from the extraction process, you will be ready to move on to the next step of the process. While this may only take a week for some people, it may take several weeks for others as not everyone heals at the same rate.
Step 3: Placing The Implants
The next step in the process is to surgically place the implants into your jawbone. This step of the process will typically take place in a surgery center or hospital since it will require the use of general anesthesia.
During this surgical procedure, your dentist will make incisions in your gums through which they can drill small holes in your jawbone. These small holes will be home to your new dental implants.
Once the implants are in place, your gums will be closed and the healing process will begin. Over the course of the next few month, your jawbone will heal around the implants giving them the strength of a natural tooth root. During this time you may be given a pair of temporary dentures to wear so that you can still enjoy full oral function while healing from the procedure.
Step 4: Attaching Posts And Crowns
Once the implants are secured by the jawbone, your dentist will be ready to perform the final step in the process. This step involves the addition of small metal posts and dental crowns. In order to add these essential elements to the implant, the dentist will once again need to make a small incision in your gums. This allows them to access the implant and attach a small metal post that will extend above the gums. A dental crown is then attached to the post using dental cement. After repeating this process for each implant, you will be ready to begin showing off your new, permanent teeth.
For more information, contact Quality Dental Care or a similar location.
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