When a tooth is missing, an implant restoration can provide the perfect solution. This involves inserting a small screw-like post into the bone for secure support.
Once the titanium screw has been installed, it begins to heal through osseointegration – an essential step in the long-term success of an implant.
How Does Dental Implant Placement Work?
Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. Not only do they look, feel and function like real teeth; but they’re also secured directly into the jawbone for maximum durability.
Implants are more durable than dentures or bridgework, meaning they can last 15 to 20 years with proper care. Furthermore, implants help keep bone beneath the gums from shrinking as they stimulate its growth instead of letting it erode away as with other tooth replacement methods.
A metal post, usually titanium, is implanted into the jawbone to serve as a tooth root. This process is called osseointegration and requires several months for bone to grow around and secure the post in its new home.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is the procedure of adding bone to your jaw in order to support dental implants. This can be done either before or after placement of the implant and may be necessary if you’ve lost bone due to tooth loss, gum disease, injury or other conditions.
Bone graft procedures allow your dentist to use bone material from another part of your body or from a human or animal donor, after it has been sanitized and applied to rebuild the damaged area of your jaw.
If the bone is harvested from your own body, there may be some pain and bruising after surgery. Usually, however, these effects fade within a few days. Additionally, you’ll likely be given pain medications and antibiotics to aid in healing the area.
If your dentist decides that bone grafting is necessary for you, they’ll explain the procedure and any potential side effects. They also provide specific instructions for caring for the graft site after surgery.
During the Procedure
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are implanted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. They provide strength and durability, looking, feeling, and functioning just like natural teeth.
Once the implant is placed, a process known as osseointegration takes place that helps the implant become permanently fused to your jaw bone. This usually takes several months to complete.
Sometimes, your dentist may also need to place an abutment during this procedure. This is a piece that fits over the metal post of the implant and is visible when you smile.
The abutment may be attached to the dental implant at the same time or it might need to be done separately. Either way, minor surgery will be needed to open up the gum tissue for placement of the abutment.
Once the abutment is in place, you should experience minimal bleeding and swelling. These symptoms can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen.
After the Procedure
Following your procedure, it’s essential to adhere to your doctor’s instructions closely. This includes drinking plenty of fluids and abstaining from hard food or chewing tobacco.
Typically, you should begin feeling better within three to seven days after your oral surgery. However, it may take up to one month for all aspects of healing to take effect.
After surgery, you may experience swelling, pain and bruising at the implant site for a few days. These symptoms should subside over time as the implant fuses with your jaw bone.
Dental implants are considered one of the best tooth replacement options due to their natural-looking and functioning nature, plus they can last 15-20 years with proper care.
During a dental implant procedure, we will insert a titanium tooth root into your jawbone. This serves as the foundation for an artificial tooth to be attached.