If you’re missing one or more teeth and the idea of wearing a bridge or a partial denture doesn’t sound appealing, then dental implants could be the perfect solution for you. But what exactly are they and what’s the procedure for teeth implants? If you’re new to dental implants carry on reading and all will be revealed.
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a crown – the visible part that sits above the gums – and a root that secures the tooth into the jawbone. When a tooth has had to be extracted or is missing, your dentist is likely to suggest dental implants as a replacement solution.
An artificial dental crown replaces the original crown while a dental implant replaces the tooth root. The result is a natural-looking restoration that looks and functions just like a real tooth – restoring your smile and your confidence. It’s almost like getting back the tooth you lost in the first place!
So, what is the procedure for teeth implants?
No matter whether you’re replacing a single or several missing teeth the dental implant procedure usually involves multiple dental appointments including dental implant surgery over several months A typical scenario looks like this:
Step 1 – Consultation and planning
An initial consultation to discuss the dental implant procedure and to determine if you’re a suitable candidate is followed by a detailed assessment of your oral health and medical and dental history.
This will be combined with various diagnostic procedures like x-rays and CT scans (to evaluate the underlying bone tissue, facial structures, and nerve pathways) and clinical photos. This will enable us to create a bespoke treatment plan so you know exactly what has to be done and when, together with the costings of your treatment.
Step 2 – Preparing your mouth
Unlike getting dentures or a dental bridge, the procedure for teeth implants involves undergoing short dental implant surgery. This is so that each implant can be positioned correctly into the jaw at the missing tooth site. Like natural teeth, implants rely on dense healthy bone to support them and if a patient’s bone is thin then a bone graft procedure may also be necessary to replenish it.
If implants are being placed into the upper arch there may also be a need to perform a sinus lift to accommodate the implants and avoid damaging the sinuses. Unfortunately, this is an additional surgery that will add cost and time to the dental implant procedure.
Furthermore, the mouth has to be healthy to receive dental implants so if there is any sign of gum disease this will have to be addressed before dental implant surgery can take place.
Step 3 – Dental implant surgery
Finally, it’s time to have your dental implant surgery. Because it is meticulously planned, implant surgery is considered minor and should only take around 20 minutes for a straightforward single implant. It’s performed at the dental practice sitting in the dental chair and it is usually over before you know it.
The area of the mouth is numbed with a local anaesthetic and dental sedation can also be provided for nervous patients. The gums are opened up to reveal the bone and a small hole is drilled. The titanium implant post is then inserted, the gums are stitched back together, and the patient is free to return home. That’s the part of the dental implant procedure that most patients dread, over and done with!
Step 4 – Healing phase
Following dental implant surgery, patients need to wait for the surrounding bone to fuse with the biocompatible implant post in a process known as osseointegration. This can take several weeks or months to take place. Every patient is different and some heal faster than others.
While the implant surgery itself is not painful, there may be some discomfort when the effects of the anaesthetic wear off and depending on the number of dental implants and the length of your surgery. There may also be some swelling or bruising. These symptoms can be relieved with over the counter painkillers and an ice pack will help reduce any swelling.
During this phase of the dental implant procedure, patients can carry on with their life as normal although they will need to attend regular dental appointments so the implant dentist can monitor their progress while ensuring that everything is going to plan. Don’t worry you won’t be left without a tooth or teeth. Instead, temporary dental crowns will be fitted so your smile looks complete from the start.
Step 5 – Fitting the abutment
Placing the abutment involves another short spell of dental implant surgery. The abutment is a small component that secures the dental crown to the implant post and also helps spread the pressure of the bite force. In some cases, the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant post.
Step 6 – Restoring the implant
After a few weeks of healing, you’re finally at the finishing point of the procedure for teeth implants and it’s time for the implant post to be restored. Digital impressions will be taken and sent to our dental lab to create a custom dental crown that will complete the restoration. Porcelain is the ideal choice of material for a dental crown since it has similar translucency properties to that of tooth enamel and can be shade-matched to surrounding teeth to blend seamlessly into the smile.
Here at No Gaps Dental, our CEREC crowns can be designed, created and fitted the same day which is particularly convenient for patients.
So, that’s it …. all you need to know about the procedure for teeth implants and probably more besides.
If you’d like more information about dental implants and what’s involved in the immediate aftercare and recovery, then why not schedule an implant consultation with the experienced friendly team here at No Gaps Dental. It costs nothing to chat and there’s no obligation if you decide that implants aren’t right for you.
Contact us today on (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
