Millions of people in the United States have received dental implants from an implant dentist. This option is fast becoming the preferred replacement for lost teeth, ahead of traditional dental bridges and dentures. If you are considering a visit to the implant dentist, it might help to learn about the procedures they can perform so you can prepare accordingly.
The dental implant procedure involves replacing lost tooth roots with metal implants. These implants are like screws and imitate the root's function to support a dental restoration, like a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The major advantage of choosing an implant is that they look, function, and feel like natural teeth. The procedures completed by the implant dentist during implant placement depend on the patient's needs.
If the damaged or infected tooth is still present, the dentist will extract it before implant placement. If the patient can handle it, the process can be done on the day of implant placement. The dentist will typically administer a local anesthetic during the procedure to stop the patient from feeling any pain. This process does not take long, unless the tooth is fractured. The dentist will provide aftercare instructions so the tooth's socket can heal properly.
Due to the amount of pressure that the jaw handles during chewing, it has to be strong to protect the implant. If patients have adequate jawbone thickness and health, there may be no need for bone grafting. However, if there has been bone loss, the implant dentist can augment the bone for implants by performing a graft. The bone for the grafting comes from another part of the jawbone or external sources. There is a healing process before the implant can be added.
This process is simply the insertion of implants into the jawbone. The dentist will create an incision over the gums to access the jawbone. After placing the implants, the jawbone will integrate with the metal post until it becomes part of the oral cavity. The healing process can last between three to six months.
When the implant is stable, an abutment will be fitted over the implant's head. This piece holds the implant to the final dental restoration. This process is hardly painful, but local anesthesia may be used regardless. Afterward, the dentist will have the artificial tooth created. Patients are often able to choose between fixed or removable restorations. Regardless of the choice, the dentist will ensure that the result looks natural.
Choosing to replace missing teeth with dental implants is a major decision. They often cost more than traditional options, but the success rate is higher and they are highly durable. When bone grafting needs to be done, the treatment timeline extends by a few months for healing. The final tooth will not be placed until the jaw heals completely, but the dentist may provide temporary options in the meantime.
If you have questions, you should visit the implant dentist for answers. Before proceeding with treatment, you must understand everything involved so you can prepare adequately.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Miami, FL.
Dental implant surgery can bring back your stunning smile. Tooth loss makes eating, speaking, and even smiling difficult. It affects a person’s self-esteem. Getting implants can make you feel good about yourself again. Here are the details on how a dental implant can help you smile confidently again.People who use removable restorations often complain about…
Curious about when dental crowns are needed? Read on to learn more about this type of dental restoration. Oral health is often indicative of one's overall well-being. Although teeth are strong, they are susceptible to many problems that can weaken them. Dental crowns are the treatment of choice for such cases. These tooth-shaped caps fit…
Dental crowns reinforce a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its function and beauty. These are just two of the many benefits of crowns. For instance, they also require minimal aftercare. If you are dealing with a broken or root canal-treated tooth, consider this popular dental restoration.Dental crowns can restore a variety of dental conditions. They…
As you age, your teeth face challenges from numerous issues. Daily wear from chewing food or stress-related grinding, gum problems from bacteria build-up, and tooth damage from the foods and drinks you consume all play a role in the deterioration of your smile.You and your dentist share a common goal: caring for and preserving your…
Curious about when dental crowns are needed? Read on to learn more about this type of dental restoration. Oral health is often indicative of one's overall well-being. Although teeth are strong, they are susceptible to many problems that can weaken them. Dental crowns are the treatment of choice for such cases. These tooth-shaped caps fit…
Dental crowns reinforce a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its function and beauty. These are just two of the many benefits of crowns. For instance, they also require minimal aftercare. If you are dealing with a broken or root canal-treated tooth, consider this popular dental restoration.Dental crowns can restore a variety of dental conditions. They…