Dental Implant Procedure – Surgery And Fitting Of Crown

Below is detailed information on the dental implant procedure, including implant surgery and crown fitting procedures.  For information on what an implant is, go to dental implants.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for surgery can be daunting, and many patients feel unsure of how to go about it. Dental implant procedures are no exception, and there are specific steps to take before the operation. To ensure the best outcome, it is essential to understand what must be done in advance of a dental implant procedure.

First, your dentist or surgeon should provide full details of the procedure, including an outline of what will happen during and after the surgery. Ensure that all questions have been answered before booking your appointment. It may also be necessary to adjust medications or cease taking them completely before surgery – discuss this with your doctor beforehand so that you know exactly what needs to be done.

Dental Implant Surgery

Your implantologist will administer some anesthetic to numb the area so you will not feel any pain.  Once you are calm, an incision will be made in the gum where the implant will be placed.  A series of drills will create a hole for the implant.  The titanium implant will now be screwed into the bone.  Once the implant is securely in the jaw, your implantologist will place a healing abutment, and the gum will be sutured around it.  A healing abutment is a small cover that goes over the implant.  The healing abutment may be visible, but it is tiny and close to the gum.

Sometimes a cover screw is placed instead of a healing abutment which the gum covers entirely during the healing phase.  This is called two-stage implant surgery and is sometimes done where a bone graft has been performed or if it is in an aesthetic area of the mouth.  This option requires a second surgical procedure to uncover the screw and place a healing abutment at a time determined by your implantologist.  Following any surgical procedures, it is essential to follow any post-operative instructions from your dental professional, such as how to keep the surgical site clean and whether they recommend any mouthwashes to be used during the healing phase.

A follow-up appointment is usually made a week or so after having the implant surgery to check that it is healing up and to remove the sutures.  Another meeting will be made around three months later to check that the implant is fully integrated into the bone.  Your implantologist will check that the implant is secure and can proceed with placing the crown.

Fitting Of A Dental Implant Crown

Dental specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons (oral surgeons) and periodontists (gum specialists) only do the surgical aspect of an implant procedure.  You will be referred back to your dentist to have the crown made.  This will require two visits with your dentist, one to have impressions and a second to have the crown fitted.

During the first visit, the dentist will remove the healing abutment and place an impression on your implant.  This will be tightened to the recommended torque, and an x-ray will be taken to ensure it is in the correct position.  An impression will then be taken of your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory along with the impression abutment to make the crown.  The healing abutment will be placed back on your implant.

You will require another appointment a couple of weeks later to have the crown fitted on your implant.  The healing abutment will again be removed, and an implant abutment will be placed.  The height, usually made of metal with porcelain on top, will securely attach to the implant.  This is the final stage of the implant procedure.

Benefits of Implants

Dental implants are a popular option for those looking to improve their smile. The procedure is a safe, reliable way to replace missing or damaged teeth and restore your mouth to its original state. With the help of dental implants, you can improve your oral health and enjoy many other benefits.

The first advantage of dental implant surgery is that it provides a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, the implant will permanently stay in place and become part of your mouth. Additionally, unlike bridges, which require additional work on other healthy teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth in any way. Implants also function and look like natural teeth –so much so that most people won’t tell the difference between an implant tooth and your real tooth!

Post Surgery Care

Getting dental implants is a significant procedure, and the recovery process should not be taken lightly. After undergoing a dental implant procedure, post-surgery care is crucial for ensuring a successful healing process. Knowing what to do and how to take care of yourself following surgery will help you enjoy your new smile as quickly as possible!

The first step after surgery is to rest and relax. You may experience discomfort and swelling in the area around the newly implanted tooth or teeth, so it’s best not to overexert yourself immediately. Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol if possible; these things can slow down the healing process. Additionally, keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.

Conclusion

The dental implant procedure is a safe, effective, and long-term solution for tooth loss. The success rate of this procedure is over 95%, which makes it one of the most reliable treatments available for missing teeth. Before committing to it, it is important to discuss with your oral healthcare provider all potential risks and benefits associated with the treatment. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime and give you the confidence you need to smile again.