Dental implants have revolutionised dentistry. They not only provide a permanent tooth replacement solution for people who have missing or damaged teeth but remain the only restoration that closely resembles the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Since Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark accidentally discovered the process of osseointegration, in the 1950s, dental implants have become one of the most popular forms of tooth replacement – boasting a high success rate and many benefits.
If you are new to dental implants and are considering them as a tooth replacement option, there is quite a lot to comprehend. But don’t worry, we’ve broken down all the information you need to know about the tooth implant procedure, into bite-sized segments below. So, if you’d like to find out more about dental implants, read on.
Firstly, the components of a conventional dental implant
In essence, dental implants are made up of 3 component parts, all of which are typically fitted at different stages of the tooth implant procedure. These are…
- The implant itself – this is a titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone during dental implant surgery and acts as a ‘root’ for your new tooth.
- The abutment – This is attached to the implant and acts as the connector between the dental implant and your tooth crown
- The crown – This is a natural-looking replacement for your tooth that sits on top of the abutment to complete the final stage of the dental implant procedure. It’s usually made from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and is the only part of the dental implant that you should see.
Preparing for dental implants
During the early stages, much of the dental implants process is taken up with a series of dental visits and examinations. This enables your dentist to plan your dental implant surgery without the need for you to be present.
So as far as your preparation is concerned, it’s more a matter of putting on your sensible head and not planning an event in the days following your surgery.
The only other thing you need to do prior to the surgical procedure is to remain healthy. If you become ill with a heavy cold, for instance, there’s a strong chance your dental implant surgery may be postponed as it may be risky to undergo treatment when not in the best condition.
The Dental Implants Procedure – What Happens?
With conventional dental implants, you should expect the procedure to be carried out over a period of several months. Time not only helps the surgical site to fully recover between fitting the implant, abutment and crown, but it also enables the optimal period (2-5 months) for bone fusion to occur. All these elements combined, allow the strongest and healthiest conditions for a newly placed restoration. Check out the stages below.
Oral examination
Book your consultation at your local dental clinic. Before the implant procedure can go ahead, your dental and medical health will be checked by your dentist.
If you are a smoker, take blood-thinning tablets, or you have a systemic disease such as diabetes, dental implants may not be a suitable option for you.
Also, your gum health and bone density will need careful examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for an implant.
Jaw preparation
In some cases, you may also need additional treatments such as a bone graft, sinus lift or tooth extraction before dental implant surgery can take place. These processes will add further time to your treatment schedule.
Implant Placement
The first phase of the dental implant procedure involves surgery to place the implant deep into the jawbone beneath the gum line. It’s then left for a period of 2 to 5 months during which time the surrounding bone tissue will fuse with the implant to secure it firmly in place.
Abutment placement
Once the implant has stabilised in the jaw, another short spell of surgery will be required to expose the implant and attach the abutment to it. After a couple of weeks to allow the recently exposed tissue to heal, an impression will be taken of your teeth so that your dental crown can be made.
Crown attachment
Finally, your dental crown will be cemented firmly to the abutment to complete the tooth implant procedure.
How long does the tooth implant procedure take?
The length of the dental implant procedure depends on many things:
- Your general health
- Whether you need a tooth extraction or other dental work before implant placement
- The density of your jaw bone and/or,
- The number of teeth to be replaced
The above factors will dictate how many times you need to visit your dentist, but also how long the intervals between those visits are likely to be. A dentist that offers consultation will discuss with you all of the above and prepare your personalised treatment plan.
Finally, post-surgery recovery
After implant placement, you will be given a full list of verbal and written instructions to follow. The main points to note are:
- Take plenty of rest for one to two days to give your body time to recuperate
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first couple of days after surgery
- Do not spit or rinse for 12 hours
- Stick to tepid food and drinks for the first day
- Keep to a vitamin and mineral-rich soft diet the first week or two, slowly introducing harder foods as you see fit.
You can expect to return to your dentist for a post-operative assessment and to have your sutures removed in approximately 2 weeks after dental implant surgery.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about the tooth implant procedure. If you’re interested to know more about how dental implants can benefit you, get a consultation at your local dental clinic. Our experienced team at No Gaps Dental provides high-quality dental implants at affordable prices.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.