Nothing irks us more than a missing tooth that throws off our looks. Imagine looking at the mirror and seeing an incomplete smile, shielding you from growth and upcoming opportunities. An option to manage missing teeth is with dental implants.
Unlike bridges, the implant is an independent unit that does not require support from adjacent teeth. Hence, this procedure has become a key choice for the ones looking for a permanent solution to their missing teeth. This blog includes the steps which go into the dental implants procedure.
What is a Dental Implant Procedure?
In a dental implant procedure, a titanium post is inserted into the gum using surgical method. This implant acts as an artificial root for the new, prosthetic tooth which is going to fill the missing spot. An abutment is used to provide a stable foundation to the new tooth for lasting results. The custom-made crown is made as per your natural teeth colour and shape to ensure a natural-looking smile. Let’s delve deeper into the key steps of dental implants procedure.
Step by Step Dental Implants Procedure
Many opt out from choosing this procedure due to lack of knowledge. Once you are aware of the steps involved in dental implants procedure, your fear will vanish, leaving you with hopes and optimism. It starts with:
1. Consultation and Planning
You find a suitable provider based on your preference. This depends on factors, such as distance, travel time, testimonials, reputation, cost, convenience, reference etc. After finalizing the dental practice, it is important to book a consultation.
During an initial physical consultation, the dentist hears about your requirements and checks your oral health condition thoroughly to determine your eligibility for the dental implants procedure. Imaging methods like X-Rays are used.
2. Preparatory Procedure
In case there’s any issue which needs any additional procedure or time to be resolved, it is given. For example, bone grafting is done based on the requirements or suggestions given by the consulting dentist.
At Innova Dental, one of the prominent dental practices in Australia, our dentists prepare you for anything that may hinder the success of your dental implants procedure. This helps to avoid unnecessary expenses related to emergency procedures in the future.
3. Surgery
At this stage, the patient is made aware of the sedation options (i.e. general anaesthesia), the steps and duration of the surgical procedure, and is sought informed consent. If everything goes well, the Titanium post is surgically placed inside the gum at the missing spot. After drilling and creating a hole, the post is correctly positioned inside it.
The surgical site is closed by stitching back the gum tissue. Due to sedation, the patient does not feel pain, but may feel certain sensations. At times, the dentist may use a healing cap to cover the implant, depending on the procedure stage.
4. Healing and Osseointegration
As oral surgeries are performed on sensitive spots, it takes a couple of months for end-to-end healing. During this time, the bone cells form and establish a direct contact with the surface of the implant. This is called Osseointegration. This is a key factor due to which tooth implants feel like real teeth as the time goes by. This step is important to ensure the dental implants procedure has no gaps and creates a ripe environment for the following stage.
5. Abutment Placement
An abutment refers to a tiny connector which helps to hold the artificial tooth to the head of the surgically inserted post. Titanium, Zirconia, or Gold, this can be made from any material.
The efficiency of this step determines the strength of the newly placed crown and whether it will function like a real tooth or not. Also, the abutment should be placed only when the surgery site is properly healed.
6. Crown Placement
A custom-made dental crown is made that matches the natural tooth colour and shape of the patient. It gives a more natural look as the new tooth blends in the dental arch. During the crown placement appointment, the dentist checks whether the crown is aligned correctly. Factors like fit, spacing, color, bite alignment, etc. are checked. If something needs to be fixed, it is taken care of before the crown is placed.
After the final set is confirmed, the surgery date and time are fixed. The dentist carefully places the crown over the abutment and ensures firm connection with the artificial root.
The dentist will run X-Rays prior to the procedure to understand whether the root has integrated. Then only it will be capable of supporting the prosthetic. At Innova Dental, our seasoned dentists work tirelessly to ensure a straight smile for you.
7. Recovery and Aftercare
It is advisable to start with a soft diet after the surgery. Avoidance of hot or sticky food is crucial for the initial 24 hours. The patient will need some time to get accustomed with the new crown. If there is any persistent pain, it is recommended to contact the consulting dentist.
Key Factors Behind Dental Implants Procedure Success
The success of dental implants procedure depends on several factors, which includes:
- Gum condition of the patient (e.g. periodontal diseases, jawbone density)
- Lifestyle choices (e.g. tobacco usage)
- Clinical expertise of the dentist
- The quality of the artificial post or the crown
- Oral hygiene post procedure
- Follow-up checkups
Potential Risks Associated with Dental Implants Procedure
No clinical procedure is fool-proof, and dental implants are no exception. The risk factors includes:
- Infection at the implant site
- Persistent pain/ swelling/ bleeding post surgery
- Sinus issues (for upper jaw implants)
- Numbness caused from accidental nerve damage
- Early loosening of the implant
- Periimplantitis
- Implant fracture (happens rarely)
Conclusion
Dental implants procedure is not luxury, it is mandatory if you want to permanently bid adieu to your sunken face caused by one or more missing teeth. It helps you to regain your confidence through enhanced facial aesthetics. Each of the steps involved in the procedure ensures the patient gets the desired results.
Procedural success heavily depends on the selection of the right dentist. From treatment planning to crown placement - everything should be aligned so that the patient gets a straight, healthy smile.
Looking forward to getting a dental implants procedure in Australia? Get in touch with Innova Dental!