Understanding Dental Implants Procedure before Opting for the Natural-Looking Replacements

Have you chosen dental implants as the perfect option for your missing or damaged teeth? You would have chosen wisely because they can be a great alternative to dentures or bridgework that isn’t suitable and can give you an option when the lack of natural tooth roots prevent building replacements of dentures or bridgework. However, have you understood the procedure for dental implants? If not, we suggest you collect all the information and prepare yourself before you commit to your dentist to go ahead with the procedure.

Dental implants procedure requires surgery to reinstate your tooth roots with titanium posts to replace the natural roots and can function as posts for artificial teeth to be placed on them. They can offer you a fantastic alternative to dentures and replacements of other types because they look and feel natural in your mouth.

Why Is the Procedure Conducted?

By surgically placing the dental implants into your jawbone dentists ensure they serve as the roots of your missing teeth. The titanium in the implants integrates with the bone stably not to slip, cause bone damage or make noises like dentures or regular bridgework can.

Dental implants may be the perfect option for you if you have:

• Have more than one missing teeth.
• Have adequate jawbone in the upper and lower jaw.
• Have healthy oral tissues.
• Don’t suffer from any conditions that can affect the healing of the bone.
• You cannot or do not want to wear dentures.
• You want an improvement in your speech.
• Are willing to make a commitment of several months to the procedure.
• You are a non-smoker.

How to Prepare for Dental Implant Procedure?

Planning for dental implants will require the involvement of different specialists along with a doctor specializing in conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face, a dentist that specializes in treating structures that provide support to the teeth, a dentist that can design artificial teeth, and even an ENT specialist.

Dental implants need more than one surgical procedure and therefore you must have a thorough examination to prepare for the process.

Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive dental exam by also taking dental x-rays and 3D images and prepare models of your teeth and jaw. Your medical history will be reviewed and questions about any medications you are taking regardless of whether they are prescription or over-the-counter will be asked. Information about any heart conditions or orthopedic implants must be provided to the doctor who may prescribe antibiotics before the surgery to assist in preventing infections.

A treatment plan will be customized to your situation by taking into account the number of teeth you want replacing and the condition of your jawbone and the remaining natural teeth in your mouth. You will also be given an estimate of dental implants cost to prepare for before the surgery rather than be surprised after it.

What Can You Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure for dental implants is conducted in an outpatient setting and performed in stages with sufficient healing time provided in between. Placing dental implants involves multiple steps some of which are mentioned below:

• Removing any damaged teeth.
• Preparing your jawbone if required.
• Placing the dental implant.
• Healing and bone growth.
• Placing the abutment.
• Placing the artificial teeth.

You will be administered anesthesia during the procedure which may include local, general or sedation. It is suggested that you discuss with your dental specialist the best options suitable for you well in advance. You will receive instructions from the dental care team not to have any foods or beverages before the surgery depending on the type of anesthesia you have chosen.

Dental implants procedure will not be completed overnight and will require several visits to the dentist’s office before you can finally get the artificial teeth you want. Most of the time will be devoted to the healing and waiting for the new bone to grow in your mouth. Dental implants cost must also be considered especially if you are inquiring ahead of time to cover for the financial implications or perhaps inquire with your dental insurance provider whether they can offer you any coverage.

The procedure is not just lengthy but is also involved and therefore you had better prepare for it in advance if you wish to have that perfect smile back in your mouth in time.