Dental implants are considered the gold standard of missing teeth replacement and are implanted into the jaw during a surgical procedure. They remain the closest thing to our natural teeth as they look, feel and act just like healthy teeth. It’s understandable, however, that if you are considering an implant-based restoration, you may feel a little apprehensive about what to expect. For this reason, it always helps to understand the dental implant procedure. So with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
Initial consultation
Before even considering dental implants surgery, you’ll need to meet with your implant dentist. Because not everyone is immediately suitable for a dental implants procedure, it’s important to see whether other dental procedures first need to be carried out. Therefore your dentist will carry out a comprehensive examination including X-rays to see what needs to be done.
Once all examinations have taken place, your dentist will take the time to discuss a treatment plan devised to bring out the best in your smile. This includes:
- Exactly what needs to be done
- Timescales for the procedure/procedures collectively, including other surgical needs such as bone grafting
- What you should do to aid recovery.
Your dentist should also take the time to answer any questions or concerns you have about the dental implants surgery or any other aspect of the process. Finally, once you are happy to proceed, the dentist will schedule a time to undergo the first part of your dental implants procedure.
Additional surgery
If you need additional dental implants surgery like a bone graft or sinus lift, be aware that it can take 3-6 months before your jaw is ready to take the first dental implant, so any additional surgery should always be carried out first. This gives your new bone plenty of time to heal before any dental implants are inserted.
Dental implant placement
Assuming that you don’t need any additional surgery, or you have had surgery and sufficient recovery time has passed, then the next phase of the dental implant procedure is the placement of the implant. In dentistry, the implant itself is, in fact, a titanium rod or screw which is anchored down into the jawbone. This is what gives the restoration its exclusive stand-alone ability.
This is usually the part that most people are worried or concerned about but in truth, they needn’t be. Dental implants surgery and the techniques that surround are so advanced these days that most people are surprised by how quick and easy the process is. Moreover, updates in new sedation techniques mean that during the process the patient remains both awake and comfortable.
During the process, an incision is made into the gum to expose the jaw bone beneath. Then a tiny hole is drilled into the bone where the implant is inserted. Once secured, the implant and bone are covered over and the gum is carefully stitched up.
Osseointegration
Once the implant has been placed, all that’s left to do (for the moment at least) is to wait 3-6 months. This is so that a painless process known as osseointegration takes place. This is a vital part of the dental implants procedure and occurs when the remaining bone tissue merges and fuses with the titanium implant. The result is a rock-solid foundation upon which to place an implant crown, an implant-supported bridge, or as part of a series of implants supporting a denture.
During this time, apart from regular dental check-ups to ascertain progress, patients should be able to carry on their normal daily lives. Once the post is steadfast and your mouth is fully healed, you’ll be called in for the next part of the process.
Placing the abutment and temporary crown
The next stage of the dental implant procedure involves another chairside session. This is to uncover the implant and attach a small collar to it known as an abutment. Doing so, not only helps to secure the dental crown to the titanium post but the abutment also acts as a shock absorber to protect the implant long-term during the action of chewing.
At this stage of the dental implants surgery, your dentist should take another impression of your tooth for the permanent crown. They may also fit a temporary restoration which you may wear for 3-6 weeks depending upon where the gap is in your smile line. The whole process is quick, taking less than 1 hour and may involve a local anesthetic. During this second recovery period, your permanent crown will also be made.
Fitting your permanent crown
Finally, the time has come for any temporary restoration to be removed and your permanent crown fitted. This is a simple process that involves removing the temporary tooth and either cementing or screwing the dental crown onto the abutment and implant.
Your new tooth restoration would have been colour-matched to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your mouth and in fact, modern porcelain crowns even have that translucent look that natural teeth have. Once attached, you are finally ready to enjoy your new-found smile.
The whole dental implant process can take anywhere between 4-9 months depending upon any additional dental implants surgery needed and healing time but the result is a permanent natural-looking tooth or teeth that can last for many years to come.
If you would like to find out more information about the dental implant procedure or would like to see if you are immediately eligible, then call any one of our 15 No Gaps Dental clinics situated in and around the Sydney Metro Area. We offer some of the most competitive dental implants prices in the area, so book an appointment today and let us help you to bring your smile back to life.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.