Dental implants involve replacing a tooth root with a screw-like structure. Over time, this screw encourages bone growth, resulting in a strong foundation for your artificial tooth.
Las Vegas Dental Implants treatment begins with an evaluation of your gum and jaw health. If necessary, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to strengthen the area where the implant will be placed.
Preparation
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will take X-rays and 3D images of your mouth to determine whether dental implants are right for you. They will also check to see if you have enough space and bone to support the implant(s). If the bone has been damaged by an injury, gum disease, or tooth decay, it may need extra time to heal before implant surgery can begin. In some cases, your dentist will need to perform a bone graft to add bone material to the jaw where the implant will be placed.
During the preparation phase, your dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and schedule the surgery. They will also give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgical procedure and what to expect. If you’re having a tooth pulled as well as an implant, your dentist may put the implant in at the same time as the extraction. This will shorten the healing time and make your recovery faster.
When it comes to the actual surgery, your dentist will numb the area and create an incision in your gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. They will then drill a hole into the bone and place the implant (along with a small piece of metal called an abutment) into the hole. The abutment will be covered with a small piece of tissue and the dentist will stitch the incision closed.
Once the implant has been placed, it will be allowed to heal over weeks to months as it integrates into the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is what makes the implant so strong and stable. During the healing process, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions and keep your mouth clean.
Once the implant has healed, it is time to connect the final crown to the abutment. Once the abutment is connected, the tooth will look and feel like your natural teeth. The final step of the process is to place your new dental implant crown(s). During this appointment, your dentist will re-expose the implant through an incision, attach the crown, and shape the surrounding gum tissue so it looks natural.
Implant Placement
During the consultation phase, your dentist evaluates your dental health and takes X-rays of your mouth. This helps them develop a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. They may also recommend additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus augmentation to prepare you for the implant process.
In the implant placement phase, your doctor does surgery to put the titanium screw into your jawbone. They may use a local anesthetic to make you comfortable. Once the area is numb, they create an incision in your gum to expose the bone. They then screw the implant into place. After the implant is in, your body will begin growing around it. This process is called osseointegration. This can take a few months.
After the surgery, you will need to recover at home. You will likely have some pain, swelling, and bruising, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain medication. Once the area heals, your doctor will install a connecting piece on top of the implant that they call an abutment. They may do this before the healing process is complete or afterward depending on your unique situation.
Once the abutment is in, you will need to wait for your jawbone to grow around it. You can eat, drink, and brush your teeth normally as the implant grows. Your doctor will check on your progress at follow-up visits. If you choose a permanent implant, the abutment will be attached to your replacement tooth or teeth.
If you choose a temporary implant, your doctor will attach a new bridge or denture to the abutment. You will continue to brush and floss, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. The dentist will also need to see you for follow-up visits to ensure that the implant is healthy and secure. If you have any concerns, call your dentist right away. They will be happy to help. Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth. The implant process can take several months, but the result is worth it!
Healing
Dental implants are unique among tooth replacement options in that they’re anchored directly into the patient’s jawbone. This feature gives them the deep-rooted stability of natural tooth roots while also making them look and feel like real teeth. It’s no wonder why they’re the preferred choice of many patients! Unfortunately, the dental implant process can be long and intimidating, especially for those who aren’t sure what to expect. However, gaining a clear understanding of each step can help ease this anxiety and make the process more manageable.
The first step of the dental implant process involves healing and recovery. After surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. This is normal and should subside within a few days or weeks. In the meantime, patients can use over-the-counter painkillers and apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation. They should also follow the dentist’s post-op instructions and schedule regular check-up appointments.
Once the initial healing phase is complete, patients can schedule an appointment to have their implant uncovered and a “healing cap” placed. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, though heavier sedation is available if necessary.
During this surgical appointment, the implant metal post is placed in the gum tissue and allowed to fuse with the bone via a process called osseointegration. This can take between 3-6 months, but patients must stick to their aftercare plan and visit the dentist regularly.
Once the implant site is healed, patients can return to have their abutment and crown placed. This is another minor surgical procedure, but patients can expect some discomfort for a day or two while the area heals. During this time, it’s best to stick to soft foods and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as these habits can interfere with the healing process. Once the abutment and crown are attached, patients can begin using their new teeth and enjoying all the benefits of dental implants! The only thing better than having a healthy and functional smile is one that’s designed to last a lifetime. So, if you’re missing a tooth or teeth and want to learn more about your options for replacing them, we encourage you to contact us and schedule an appointment with our team!
Restoration
In the final phase of the dental implant process, a natural-looking artificial tooth or teeth are placed on top of the abutment. The result is a tooth that functions like a real one and looks just as good. It can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or even a full set of teeth.
The first step is to schedule a consultation visit with a dentist who offers dental implants. During this time, the dentist will examine the mouth and take X-rays or 3D images of the jaw area to determine whether the implant is a good option. They will also consider whether the patient needs additional procedures, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting.
During surgery, the doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia to prevent pain. They will then make an incision to expose the bone. A hole is then drilled into the bone where the metal implant post will go. It will then be anchored into the jawbone using a screw. The jawbone will then heal around the implant and fuse to it over the next few months, a process called osseointegration.
After the jawbone heals, the doctor will place a connecting piece called an abutment over the implant post. This will allow the replacement tooth to go over it without damaging the bone.
The abutment can be made of titanium, zirconia, ceramic, or a combination. Titanium is a strong and durable material that has a natural appearance in the mouth. It can withstand the bite force that a natural tooth would exert, which is important to ensure the implant won’t loosen or fall out.
A crown is then placed on top of the abutment to complete the restoration. The crown is a tooth-shaped replacement that replicates the original, missing tooth. It has a biting surface that is similar to the patient’s natural teeth and a look that mimics their gum line.
Dental implants can last a lifetime, but they require proper oral hygiene to keep them looking and functioning their best. Regular visits to the dentist are important, as well as following instructions for caring for your implants and keeping up with cleanings. With proper care, you can avoid complications, such as infection, peri-implantitis, and gum recession, that may cause your implant to fail.