The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure can be tricky and will be different for every patient. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your evaluation will be considered based on any number of criteria including your lifestyle, your age, the quality and condition of your jawbone, your oral hygiene habits and any other things your surgeon deems important.
Dental implant surgery procedures are usually done in the office of your surgeon although it can also be done in the hospital or a surgery center.
In the case of most patients, the placement of the dental implant will require at least two visits. These visits are often spaced out over a period of a few months to allow healing from the first procedure.
Implanting the Dental Anchor
In the first procedure the dental implant is surgically placed or screwed into your jaw bone. These dental anchors make up the foundation needed to hold in the replacement teeth that will be fitted later on. The dental anchors are usually made up of titanium although other hard metals may be used. For up to the first six months after this procedure, the implant remains under the gum line, bonding with the jawbone and healing. There may also be some associated pain and swelling with the area during this time as well.
While the area is healing, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon may fit you with a temporary tooth and you will more than likely be limited to a restricted diet, chewing only soft food on the temporary tooth although your normal day to day routine will probably not change much.
During this time as well, a dental technician will fashion a new replacement permanent tooth that is specifically designed to fit in your mouth. That new tooth must be designed by someone who has experience in the area as the new tooth must be built to withstand the wear and tear of a normal tooth.
Attaching the New Tooth
Once the implant is bonded and the permanent tooth has been created, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will uncover the implant anchor through the gum line and will attaches the new tooth to the dental implant anchor post. If the procedure is done correctly, the new tooth will anchor to the post and will have a completely natural appearance.
From start to finish, the process of receiving a dental implant will take about six months. Once the implant is complete they can last a lifetime with proper care of each implant.