A dental implant has fast become a common treatment used to replace a missing or extracted tooth. Whether you’re missing a front tooth or a molar at the back of your mouth, an implant could be the solution that you’re looking for. However, as with any dental treatment, familiarising yourself with the process of a tooth implant can help reduce anxiety and relieve the stress of not knowing what to expect.
You may not understand the terms ‘bone graft’ or ‘abutment’ at present but by the time you’re done reading this article, you should know more about what’s involved in the dental implant procedure. So, let’s get started by getting better acquainted with dental implants.
Firstly, what are dental implants?
A tooth implant is in essence an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth and supports a lifelike crown. What you may not know is that implants can also be used to replace several missing or extracted teeth or even all of a person’s teeth utilising an implant bridge or retained denture.
However, unlike a dental bridge or denture that may only require a couple of dental visits at most, the dental implant procedure involves multiple steps, numerous dental visits, and can take up to six months or longer to complete.
What’s the process of a tooth implant?
A tooth implant begins with an initial consultation to see if you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment. Hygiene is paramount, so don’t forget to use a hand sanitiser when you enter the clinic.
The dentist will take a series of photos and 3D scans to determine the condition and quality of your jawbone. Like natural teeth, implants rely on the bone for support so it’s essential to have a good supply of dense healthy bone. This is where the term ‘bone graft’ comes into the equation. If a person doesn’t have sufficient bone it need not exclude them from having dental implants.
Instead, a patient may have to undergo a bone graft using either artificial bone or bone from another part of their body. This is to build up the density of bone making it more abundant. Naturally, healing time will be necessary before a patient is able to undergo dental implant surgery.
People suffering from diabetes, periodontal disease or cancer may also require additional treatments before having dental implants and smokers will have to quit for at least the duration of the dental implant procedure. Each patient will be considered according to their unique circumstances.
Once you have qualified for dental implants, much of the planning goes on in the background before the day of your dental implant surgery. Using sophisticated 3D computer technology, the dental team can locate the position of your nerves and sinuses and determine the position and trajectory for each implant. Not only does this make surgery safer, but it reduces chair time too.
What’s involved in dental implant surgery?
Firstly, it’s important to note that we’re committed to hygiene and take all protective measures possible such as providing hand sanitiser throughout our clinics for use by patients and staff to prevent the spread of disease and infection.
Besides numbing the mouth with local anaesthesia, patients can also opt for dental sedation which helps them to feel more relaxed during dental implant surgery and means that in many cases, they have little recollection of the procedure.
Implant surgery
Once your mouth is fully numb, a small incision is made into the gums to expose the bone. A small hole is then drilled into the bone into which the implant post is placed. The gums are then closed with sutures and the patient is taken to another room to recover from the effects of the sedation before being allowed home. Don’t forget to use a hand sanitiser before leaving the building!
What happens next?
The next stage of the dental implant procedure is a period of healing. Over the following two or three months, the titanium implant post will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration. Once this has occurred, the implant will become a permanent fixture in the mouth and has the strength and stability to support a dental crown.
During this time, several dental visits will be required to monitor progress and ensure that healing is taking place correctly. Once osseointegration has successfully occurred, minor surgery will be required to place the abutment, although in some cases, this can be done at the same time as placing the implant.
Placing the abutment
The gums are opened up again to expose the implant post so that the abutment can be attached. This screws into the implant and holds the dental crown in place. The prosthesis is sometimes attached at this time but usually, it takes place once your gums have healed.
Don’t worry, you will be fitted with temporary crowns to wear throughout the dental implant procedure so that you aren’t left with a toothless smile.
Process of tooth implant – the last step
The last step is to have your permanent dental crown fitted. The dentist will remove your temporary crown and replace it with a more natural-looking custom crown. Once he or she is happy with the fit, it will be cemented securely in place. All that’s left is for you to admire your beautiful new smile.
Do remember that it’s important to care for your implants with the same level of care as for your natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Factors like smoking or grinding teeth will damage your implants. Also, avoid biting down on hard foods and attend regular dental check-ups to keep your implants strong and healthy.
Are you considering dental implants?
Now you know more about the process of a tooth implant, you’ll see that there’s nothing to fear but plenty of benefits to enjoy – benefits such as…
- Convenience – Implants remain in your mouth all of the time
- You’ll look better – Because implants fuse with your bone they look more natural
- Clearer speech – missing or damaged teeth can often cause a person to slur their words or be unable to pronounce certain words. Implants will help your speech be clearer
- Eating is easier – Implants preserve as much as 90% of the biting force so no foods are off-limits
- Increased confidence – A beautiful smile with no gaps will give your confidence a boost
- Improved oral health – Implants don’t require other teeth to be modified. Instead, they fit seamlessly in with your natural teeth enabling you to improve and maintain good oral health
Why not schedule a consultation with the friendly team at a No Gaps Dental clinic or call us on (02) 8806 0227 to find out more about implants and if they’re right for you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.