How To Know What to Expect when Getting a Tooth Implant
If you are missing teeth, dental implants might be an attractive option for maintaining your oral health and improving the appearance of your mouth.A more secure and natural alternative to dentures and other false teeth can be found after one to two surgeries.Prepare for the surgeries and know what to expect if you decide to get dental implants.You have to understand your dental plan and make sure you have everything ready for surgery.You need to know how to maintain your implants after the surgery.
Step 1: Talk to your doctors.
A comprehensive dental exam is required if you are going to get dental implants.This may include x-rays of your mouth.Your dentist will help you decide if dental implants are a good choice after evaluating your teeth.Discuss any medical conditions that might make oral surgery more difficult with your doctor.It's a good idea to ask questions like "Am I healthy enough for implants?" and "How long will the process take?"You should visit your dentist every six months.Ask your dental provider about the experience of placing dental implants.
Step 2: How many implants do you need?
Discuss the number of dental implants with your dentist.What kind of implants you receive, as well as the length of the surgery and its cost, will be determined by this.If you need more than one tooth replaced, you might want to consider having a bridge instead of dental implants.Ask your dentist questions like "Is my jaw healthy enough for implants?" and "Would bridges or individual implants be best?"
Step 3: Talk to your insurer.
You will want to discuss the cost with your insurance provider because implants are more expensive than traditional bridge work.Insurance won't cover dental implants because they're considered a cosmetic operation.It's important that you have the money to get dental implants.Ask your insurer questions such as "Are dental implants covered under my dental plan?" and "How much of this procedure will I pay out of pocket?"
Step 4: Determine what type of implants work best for you.
Depending on the health of your jawbone, there are different types of dental implants that you will need to consider.The implants can be placed in the jaw or on top of the gum.The most common type of implant requires the placement of metal screws, cylinders or blades in the jaw.An implant is drilled into the jaw and then the gums are closed around it.One or more teeth can be held by the implant.A metal implant is placed on the top of the jaw.This implant is only used for people who don't have bone strength or height in their jaw.
Step 5: A treatment plan should be developed.
You will work with your health specialists to come up with a treatment plan for your surgery.Your medical history, health of your mouth and jawbone, the type of implants you are receiving, and the proposed timelines for the various procedures will be detailed in this plan.Over the course of getting your implants, you will likely work with multiple specialists, including your personal doctor and dentist, a periodontist, and an oral surgeon.Ask your clinician to explain the whole process from start to finish.Getting a high-quality dental implant often takes multiple states of treatment to ensure it feels like a natural tooth, rather than just something in your mouth.
Step 6: Talk to your oral surgeon.
Talk to your oral surgeon about what to expect and how to prepare for the surgery.Depending on the number of teeth being replaced and the type of anesthesia used, you may need to rearrange your schedule and make some changes to your routine.You will need to make arrangements after the surgery.It is important to schedule your appointments and plan accordingly because the procedure can require multiple surgeries over many months.
Step 7: Take a break from school or work.
It is likely that you will need to take some time off.Depending on how many implants you are receiving and the type of anesthesia delivered, this could take from a few hours to several days.How long you should rest after your surgeries will be discussed with your dental specialists.If you get general anesthesia, you should take the rest of the day off.You may be able to return to work or school after local anesthesia.Ask the dental health professional if it's possible to go back to work right away.
Step 8: Are you able to eat and drink before surgery?
If your dental specialists want to use local anesthesia, you should not eat or drink the night before surgery.When you are under general anesthesia, you can have food in your stomach.It is important to follow your specialist's guidelines before surgery.This isn't usually a concern with local anesthesia.Be sure to talk to your dental specialist.Ask the dental specialist what foods should be avoided after surgery.
Step 9: You should have someone drive you home.
If general anesthesia is used, you will want someone to take you home.You can either ask a friend or family member to drive you or arrange for a taxi to pick you up.It is important that you have someone take you home in order to avoid an accident because general anesthesia will impair your ability to drive.Should you be able to drive yourself home?
Step 10: A bone transplant.
It can be difficult to attach an implant when there is tooth loss.In this case, the dental surgeon will remove a piece of bone from another part of your body and transplant it to your jaw.Artificial bone may be used by your surgeon.It may take several months before the bone is strong enough to support a dental implant.Minor grafting can be done at the time of the implant surgery if you only need it.Depending on the strength of the bone in your jaw and the teeth being replaced, you may need a sinus lift surgery or ridge modification, both of which will help promote bone growth in the mouth.
Step 11: Go for oral surgery.
The oral surgeon will expose the bone during the initial surgery.A metal post will be placed after they drill a hole into the bone.The root of the implant will be served by this post.The wound is closed with stitches.You can get a temporary denture to cover the gap in your mouth.
Step 12: Wait for the implant to bond with the bone.
The bone and implant will bond over the course of the next two to six months.The dental implant should be firmly anchored to your jaw.
Step 13: Receive an implant.
Once osseointegration is complete, you may need to have a second surgery.During this surgery, the oral surgeon will expose the implant and attach it to a piece of the crown.The gum tissue is closed with stitches.You can attach the abutment to the dental implant post when it is first implanted.There will be no need for a second surgery.You will have the abutment jutting past your gum line for several months, which might be less visually appealing.
Step 14: Get the stitches out.
Your surgeon will close your gums with stitches after each surgery.They will use their own stitches.The dental specialist may choose to use stitches that are not self-dissolving.After each surgery, this will be done.
Step 15: Recover from the surgeries.
If you have a single or multiple stage surgery, you will experience some pain afterwards.You may have a bruise on your skin and teeth.There will be pain at the implant site.You should talk to your oral surgeon if the pain persists for more than a few days.They can prescribe antibiotics or pain medication.You will only be able to eat soft foods, like puddings and soups, because of sensitivity from the surgery.
Step 16: Have your impressions made.
It will take one to two weeks for your gums to heal.Your dental specialist will use a material to make a cast of your mouth after your teeth have healed.They will make an artificial tooth that will fit your mouth and look good.The mold will most likely be made from a plastic compound.A mold of your teeth and gums will be formed after a few minutes when you bite down on the plastic compound.The crown is indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Step 17: Place the crown on top of your head.
Your dentist will attach a crown on your new tooth once your gums are healed and your jawbone is strong.Discuss with your dentist if you want crowns that can be easily removed for cleaning or repair, or fixed, which are permanently screwed into place and stronger.If you need to replace more than one tooth, you can have a combination of crowns.Talk to your dentist to find out which option works best.A bridge is a more affordable option if you are replacing multiple teeth.Fixed crowns are more expensive thanremovable crowns.
Step 18: New teeth should be maintained.
You should clean and care for your new teeth the same way you would your normal teeth.Floss and mouth wash daily, and brush them twice a day.You should see your dentist at least once a year.The health of your implants will likely be checked out by your dentist.