What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
If you are living with missing teeth, you should be considering how to replace them. Patients with missing teeth tend to have lower self esteem, poor diet, and lose more teeth. If you are considering tooth replacement, there are few better options than dental implants.
Fishers Dental Implants are securely implanted replacement teeth which are anchored into your jaw just like an original tooth. They are made of super strong materials, which look just like perfect teeth. You care for them the same as any other tooth, which means no removing them at night. In order to remove a dental implant, you will need to make an appointment with your dentist-like any other tooth extraction. Before you fall in love though, let’s look at the Dental Implant procedure to decide if it is right for you.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Your jaw is filled with muscle, tissues, bone, and blood. It powers your mouth; and all the chewing swallowing speaking that you perform throughout the day. In order to be eligible for dental implants, you need to have a healthy jaw.
1. Jaw and Gum Health and Inspection- Speak with your dentist about dental implants. You should then schedule an appointment for a complete cleaning, complete with any imaging or scans necessary for them to see your jaw and gum health. Be sure to communicate any conditions or difficulties you have had in the past with your dental health; any gum infections, gum disease, tooth decay, or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. Any of these might delay your healing process.
2. Dental Anchor Implant- A small surgical procedure wherein the jaw is exposed through the gums, and a surgical implementation call a dental anchor is securely placed into the jaw. Over time the tissue and bone of the jaw will grow to encompass the anchor, making it a synthetic tooth root. This process is called osseointegration.
3. Healing and Recovery- This process can take several weeks, or up to 6 months or a year. Your recovery depends entirely on your own health. If you have any disease which causes immunocompromised status this may take longer. Discus anticipated recovery time with your dental care team.
4. Abutment placement- The abutment is the liaison between the implant crown and your jaw. Proper placement and fitting will ensure your implant does not wiggle or become loose. It will also protect your jaw from the implant; the strength of which could injure other teeth.
5. The Dental Implant Crown- This is what you have been waiting for, a beautiful new tooth. Depending on where the tooth is located, you may want a more presentable crown–like zirconia layered with porcelain. You could also go with monolithic zirconia for a super strong molar; the ideal tooth for chewing and grinding food before swallowing. Speak with your dentist about materials and the look you desire.
What is the first step of the Dental Implant process?
The first step is you taking the time to make an appointment and discuss your options. You can also call your insurance agency to inquire about coverage.