Are your teeth becoming weak or do you have problems chewing, biting, or speaking because of missing teeth? If so, it’s time for dental implants. Dental implants are a safe and reliable way to restore your smile and the function of your teeth without the need for retainers.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone. Implants are used as a base to hold the replacement tooth in place, and in this way act in a similar way to natural tooth roots. The result is artificial teeth that look like natural teeth and perform perfectly, even when eating and speaking.
What is the implant insertion procedure?
There are several stages to the dental implant insertion process, which we will explain in more detail below to give you an overall impression of what to expect.
Initial assessment of the situation
Your dentist or oral surgeon will first carry out a comprehensive examination to check the state of your jawbone and oral health and determine the best procedure for implanting your teeth. This initial assessment includes taking X-rays, impressions of your teeth, and determining the color of your teeth to make the dental implant look as natural as possible. The dentist will also review your complete dental and medical history.
At OrthoDental, we will give you a comprehensive consultation and answer all your questions. We will also ask you about your medical condition and the medications you are taking. Depending on your condition, we will determine how many teeth it is reasonable to replace with dental implants.
3D dental scan
To help you assess your condition, OrthoDental takes 3D dental X-rays of your jaw, especially the area where a tooth or teeth are missing. This helps the dentist determine how much jawbone is available for implantation. CT scans also help to locate structures, such as sinuses and nerves, that should be avoided during implant surgery to prevent damage.
When is bone grafting necessary beforehand?
If your dentist uses X-rays to determine that there is not enough bone in your jaw to hold the implants, bone grafting should be arranged. Otherwise, the implant insertion procedure may fail or the forces of eating may not be able to be withstood.
What to expect with a bone graft?
The bone grafting procedure usually involves taking bone from other parts of your jaw/hip/chin and adding it to your jaw so that the implant can later be anchored deep in your mouth like a real tooth root. If this procedure is necessary before you can proceed with the actual implant procedure, it will probably take four to twelve months for the bone to be ready for grafting and implantation.
Traditional implant insertion procedure
The traditional procedure requires two treatments, three to six months apart. These months are dedicated to good recovery and healing.
The procedure for the first treatment is carried out in the following steps:
Initial incision
The dentist cuts a small part of the gum where the dental implant will be placed. The incision is necessary to access the area where your missing teeth were.
Drilling
Once a small incision is made in the gum, the dentist drills into the bone to place the implant in the opening in your bone. After the implant placement is complete, the incision in your gum is stitched and left to heal. The whole procedure is done under a general anesthetic, so you don’t feel any pain.
Healing period
A few months of healing follow to be ready for the second part of the procedure.
The second part of the procedure
Implant opening
If the implant has become embedded under the oral mucosa, a procedure called implant opening must be carried out after about three months. A short procedure under local anesthetic cuts just the mucous membrane above the implant, from which a tiny screw is unscrewed to close the thread. A root cap is then screwed into it with a pin that extends above the mucosal level and allows the subsequent connection between the implant and the prosthetic restoration.
Removing a root cap
The cap is designed to induce healing of the surrounding gum tissue. After a few weeks, it is removed and the final part of the procedure is performed.
Installing the abutment
The dentist screws a so-called abutment onto the implant, which is needed to ensure that the crown fits tightly – so that it won’t loosen due to biting forces and other factors.
Crown installation
After taking impressions, your dental surgeon will design a tooth restoration that fits perfectly into your existing tooth structure. In the final stage, the crowns are placed on the abutments. It is important that the color of the crown matches the rest of the natural teeth, as this creates as natural an appearance as possible
Healing and implant ingrowth
During the time when the implant is normally placed under the oral mucosa, a temporary and suitably adapted removable or fixed prosthetic restoration can be used. During healing and ingrowth, the implant site shall be free of swelling, pain, and any discharge from the overlying mucosa. If this is not the case, your dentist should be informed immediately.
Recovery after implant insertion
People usually need some time to fully recover after having implants. It is common to experience mild pain and discomfort. Sometimes they experience swollen gums or pain around the implant, and there may also be slight bleeding. Symptoms improve with each day and should not last too long. If the symptoms get worse, your dentist may prescribe painkillers.
It is a good idea to eat soft foods immediately after surgery. It is also a good idea to have ice packs handy to help reduce any swelling. Avoid tobacco as it can increase the chance of infections such as root canal infections, and it also stains your teeth.
Be consistent in following the post-operative instructions to help you heal faster. Once the implant placement and recovery process is complete, you can eat as normal. This is because implant-supported teeth are just as strong as your natural teeth.
We have prepared a quick recovery guide for you. You can find it here https://orthodental.si/okrevanje-po-vstavitvi-implantata/
Want to know more?
Read more about Ceramic implants.
Read more about dental bridges.
Read more about the price of dental implants.
Read more about the types of dental implants.
Read more about the recovery after implantation.
Avtor prispevka
Gordana Čižmek
Ceramic implants
Thinking about replacing a missing tooth? Discover the pros and cons of dental bridges and implants in our blog. Our guide will help you make an informed decision for optimal oral health.
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