Dental implants are now the preferred solution for restoring missing teeth, as they address many issues associated with traditional methods such as bridges and dentures. These implants provide a natural-looking, comfortable and functional replacement for your original teeth.
Before undergoing implant placement, patients will undergo a thorough examination, including dental X-rays and scans. They will also discuss their medical history.
How It Works
They are used to replace teeth that have fallen out or been lost. They can prevent bone loss, which may lead to other dental health issues. When properly maintained, they can function and look like natural teeth.
First, you must determine if dental implants are right for you. A comprehensive exam is required, as are X-rays and impressions taken of your mouth. Another oral surgeon near Buffalo, NY may be needed, including a specialist in the structures supporting teeth (periodontist) or a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist).
If you have sufficient healthy bone in your mouth to support an implant, the next step is to undergo surgery to implant the metal post that will serve as a false tooth root. Our oral surgeon will first make a small cut in your gum tissue and then drill into the jawbone to place the implant.
Preparation
The dental implant process starts with a comprehensive exam. During this exam, your dentist will take dental X-rays and 3D images of your mouth. They will also discuss your medical history to ensure you are healthy for the procedure.
Then the surgeon from Niagara dental implant & oral surgery will evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums and jawbone. If the bone has deteriorated, they will suggest ways to improve the outcome. This may include a bone graft.
The surgeon will put a small metal post into the jawbone. This metal post is called an abutment. The implant is connected to the replacement tooth. Depending on your preference, this abutment can be cemented or screwed into place. The gum tissue will eventually cover it.
Surgery
Implants replace the root of missing teeth, making them more robust and lasting than bridges or dentures. They also preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration when teeth are missing.
Your oral surgeon will conduct a physical exam and obtain panoramic X-rays and 3D cone beam CT to ensure you have adequate bone to support an implant. If you don’t, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the area.
Once your jawbone has healed (four to six months for endosteal implants and eight to twelve weeks for subperiosteal implants), a little connecting post called an abutment will be placed on the implant. This will allow the gum tissue to recover around it, resulting in a tooth that looks and feels natural.
When the abutment is in place, your dentist will construct a new replacement tooth, called an implant crown, to match the rest of your teeth. It will be screwed into or cemented to the abutment.
Recovery
When you have an implant, you’ll need to rest for a day or two after surgery. You may experience some pain, bruising or swelling, but this is normal. The discomfort should fade over time.
At follow-up appointments, the dentist will monitor your progress and test your implant to ensure it is healing correctly. This could involve a resonance frequency analysis, a torque test, a percussion test, or a visual inspection.
The recovery process for dental implants is a lot like recovering from any other oral surgery. The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions. You should eat a diet of soft foods and avoid applying too much pressure to the surgical site. In addition, you should not smoke, as this can interfere with the natural healing process and increase the risk of infection. You should also attend routine professional cleanings and dental checkups to prevent problems with your remaining teeth and jaw bone.
