Do you need to have a tooth or teeth extracted due to decay or loss? Well, good news! Your smile can be permanently restored with a dental implant.
Dental implants allow you to avoid bridgework and dentures by replacing lost, decayed, or broken teeth. But the procedure doesn’t take place instantly. Every patient goes through the same three stages that characterize the procedure.
So, are you considering getting dental implants near you but are still a bit unsure of what the actual process includes? We outline each step of the treatment in the following article to help you feel more familiar and comfortable.
What’s a Dental Implant?
Dentures are not dental implants. The implant is actually a prosthesis. When we speak of implants, we mean the tiny post that is inserted into the jawbone to serve as the base for a crown (or bridge). The tooth’s crown is its visible portion.
The implant involves interaction with your jawbone and gums, making it the most challenging component of the process. If it doesn’t set properly, your tooth won’t stay in place, and it could also cause issues for the other teeth in your mouth.
Pre-Surgery: What to Expect
Implants cannot be obtained by strolling into a dental practice. The planning stage of the implant procedure is one of the longest because it necessitates that you consult with oral health professionals
To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, for instance, you need to consult with a dentist so they can perform a thorough assessment of your mouth and jaw. They will also take into account your suitability for dental implants. If necessary, they may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an expert who focuses on administering complex treatments, including dentures, and providing dental implants in NE Calgary.
Typically, a single procedure is all that’s needed to receive implants, but some patients may require additional assistance along the way to ensure that the device is a good fit for their mouth.
The entire process can take anywhere from 6-9 months.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery
Your dentist near you may give you a prescription for antibiotics or an antibacterial mouthwash could be given to you several weeks prior to the appointment. Such a precaution reduces your chance of infection following the surgery.
You might also wish to arrange a ride both to and from your destination. When using an IV or oral sedative in particular, this is absolutely necessary as you’ll be very groggy after the treatment; it isn’t necessary for localized anesthetics.
The 3 Phases of Dental Implant Surgery
The procedure is divided into three phases:
- Installation of the implant.
- Attaching the abutment
- Making the crown fit.
Before the first stage begins, your mouth will be numbed using localized anesthesia. Once the medication takes effect, they will cut a hole in your gum to reveal the bone.
A dental drill is used after the incision is made to create space in the bone for the implant screw. If you stay awake during the process, don’t worry; the drill is very quiet, so it shouldn’t frighten or disturb you.
Following this, the implant is put in place, and depending on the size, your incision can get one or two stitches.
Recovery After Surgery
Each patient’s recovery process is different. Your recuperation period will be substantially shorter than someone who requires multiple implants and a bone transplant if you only needed to have one tooth extracted and replaced.
After surgery, most people experience mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling. The second day is usually the worst, but it gets better by the third. Ibuprofen or Tylenol are all that are needed to manage such symptoms. Even though you might not feel comfortable, you can resume work the day after surgery.
Come into Sunridge Dental
Depending on the type of maintenance you require, the dental implant stages may take up to nine months. They also provide a long-lasting solution for your smile without the drawbacks of bridges or dentures.
Read our blog for more details about dental implants, then contact our dentist in NE Calgary to find out if you qualify for this game-changing operation.