4 Steps To Getting Dental Implants
Children lose teeth all the time as their baby teeth are displaced by permanent, adult teeth. Losing a tooth might not be a big deal to a child, but losing a tooth as an adult is a different experience. For one thing, adult teeth don't grow back. When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth may shift over time, leading to orthodontic problems.
If you've lost a tooth, your dentist can help by providing dental implant services. Dental implants can replace the natural teeth you're missing. Here are the four steps you'll undergo during your dental implant journey:
1. Consultation
When you decide you want a dental implant, you'll need to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Many factors will determine what type of dental implants are right for you. Endosteal implants are the most common choice, but you need enough jawbone mass for successful endosteal implants. Your dentist will take x-rays of your mouth to create a treatment plan. During your consultation, your dentist will let you know what kind of recovery you can expect. They will also discuss the cost of the procedure with you.
2. Implantation
During your next appointment, the actual implantation process will begin. The dentist will start by making a small cut in your gums, which will allow them to access your jawbone. Your surgeon will drill a hole in your jaw, which will accommodate the implant. The implant will be put in place, and your gums will be sutured shut.
3. Healing
After your dental implant is placed, you will return home to let your new implant heal. The implantation process is a major oral surgery that affects your bone. Your jawbone will require time to heal around the titanium post implanted in it. As your bone heals, it will hold the implant firmly in place. You may feel some pain initially, but your doctor will prescribe painkillers that will help you stay comfortable.
4. Crown Placement
The visible portion of your dental implant is a prosthetic called an implant crown. The crown will be placed in your mouth during a separate dental appointment after your healing has sufficiently progressed. The crown will be attached to an abutment connected to your dental implant. Your dentist will ask you to bite down on a piece of carbon transfer paper to check the fit. They will adjust your new crown with a dental drill until your bite is comfortable.
To learn more about dental implants, reach out to a local dentist.
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