Dental Implant Procedure Explained
Laura Eagle
Many people are getting dental implants as a cure for their dental problems. Dental implants are preferred over dentures because they not only look and function like real teeth but also are convenient and enduring. For some, the understanding of the exact dental implant procedure is perhaps something that will help them make the decision.
Consulting Your Dentist
Before you receive implants, your dentist will have to carefully assess your dental condition. He will also ask about your existing medical conditions, medical history and medications being taken. Your initial interview and check-up will help determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
Aside from determining your fitness, knowing your dental and health conditions will allow your dentist to determine the right procedure and approach for you. There are different forms of implants depending on a patient's jaw condition. Some may also require bone grafting or antibiotics before implantation.
Placing the Implants
The placement of the implant is the first step in the whole process. Almost all implants are made of titanium. So far, titanium is believed to be the best material that can perfectly merge with our jawbones. In some rare cases, however, the implants could be eventually rejected.
Patients with insufficient jawbone will have to undertake bone grafting before they can take implants. For others with enough sturdy jawbones, the procedure can start off right away. When the anesthesia begins to take effect, your gum is opened and jawbone is drilled. After the implant is inserted, the gum opening will be stitched.
Healing
What you may not realise is that you can only go for the next step after a couple of months. During this waiting period, your bone will grow around and merge well with the implant. For some patients, this healing period may take half a year at the most.
Placement of the Post
When the jawbone has perfectly merged with the implant, the dentist will attach the post to hold the crown or artificial tooth. This is done by making another opening on your gum, and the post is then attached to the implant. Again, you need to wait for the gums to heal around the post and this may take a few weeks.
Crown Placement
Once your gum heals, the dentist will head off to make the crown. To do that, he needs to first take impressions of your teeth, so that the specially made crown will resemble your missing tooth in color and appearance. When finished, the crown is attached to the post.
To some people, the dental implant procedure may seem straightforward. To others, however, it may sound complex and may take much more time than they have expected. Whatever you think, the key is to find a qualified dentist to do it for you. The success of your implantation is more assured at the hands of an expert.
If you are thinking about having implantation, make sure you visit our site to know more about http://www.all4betterteeth.com/dental-implants) dental implant procedure. You may also benefit from visiting our complete http://www.all4betterteeth.com/ online dental guide if you have another area of dental problem.
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