What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants Fishers Indiana have become one of the most popular tooth replacement treatment solutions among American adults. This is because implants offer superior durability, stability, and comfort that many of the alternative treatment options do not. But before you commit to implant treatment, it may help to get a better idea of what you are getting in to. The dental implant treatment is a multiple step process. Below is more information about dental implants and the steps involved in the treatment process.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically inserted into the gums where the root of tooth would be. Once the implant post has been installed and the gums have healed, an artificial crown is attached to the post. Different from the alternative treatments, the implant post provides the stability and structure of a real tooth root. Once the implant procedure is complete it is difficult to tell the new tooth from the other natural teeth.
The Implant Procedure
The dental implant treatment process involves a series of fairly simple steps. However, the extent of the steps that must occur will be largely dependent on the health of the jawbone and the implant system selected. The implant treatment will occur over multiple visits to the dentist. Here are the steps of the treatment process you can expect:
- Pre-surgery appointment: To prepare yourself for the dental implant procedure, it is important to have a detailed discussion with the dentist. This step will help you understand the treatment plan your provider has developed for you, the timeline of the entire treatment process, and the pain you can expect. Before the first surgery, your provider will want to complete a comprehensive exam to evaluate the health of the teeth and jawbones, and to take x-rays and impressions. This exam plays an important role in helping your provider plan their surgery steps, select an implant that is a good fit for you, and confirm the health of your jawbone is good enough to support the new implant. Your provider will also want to discuss your overall health, any medication use, and walk your through your post-surgery instructions.
- Outpatient surgery: The biggest step of the treatment is next; the implant surgery. The goal of the surgery is to insert the implant post into the jawbone. The surgery is very simple. First a hole is drilled into the jawbone, and then the implant is securely placed in that hole just below the gumline. Some pain and swelling should be expected after the procedure.
- Healing time: The next procedure will not occur for several weeks. After the implant is installed a several month healing period is required to allow time for the bone to fuse around the implant, ensuring the implant is secure in the jaw.
- Attaching the Crown: After your implant is securely fused to the bone, it is time to attach the abutment and the artificial crown. Your provider will select a crown to match your other natural teeth and order it prior to this appointment.