Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold a replacement tooth in place, and they function just like real teeth roots do. They are often the preferred method for replacing missing teeth, because they look and feel so much like natural teeth. However, they are not right for everyone. Some people may develop conditions that can affect how well they heal, or have other reasons for preferring a different type of tooth replacement.
To determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery, we’ll start with a comprehensive exam. This will include a dental exam, X-rays and impressions. We’ll also ask about your medical history to see if you have any conditions or medications that could interfere with the procedure. We’ll also ask you about how many teeth you want to replace and whether you have any existing restorations, such as bridges or removable dentures.
Before we begin the dental implant surgery, we’ll make sure that you’re comfortable and pain-free. We can use local anesthetic or IV sedation to keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure. Then, we’ll create a small incision in the jaw to expose the bone. If the site of your missing tooth still has an existing tooth, that tooth will be extracted and the site prepared for an implant. If the site has no existing teeth, we may need to put in a bone graft (made from synthetic or cadaver bone) to build up the area.
Once the implant is in place, it will take several months for it to fuse to your jawbone. During this time, you can use a temporary denture to fill in the gap and help with chewing. We’ll also use a metal extender called an abutment to connect the implant and the replacement tooth.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s postoperative care instructions and call us if you have any issues. This includes taking pain medications and making regular appointments for checkups. It’s also important to avoid activities that could damage or dislodge your implant. This includes smoking, which can lead to slower healing and complications.