If you are planning to get dental implants either to support your dentures or to replace a broken or missing tooth with a dental crown, you should know that the dental implant process is made up of five steps. These five steps are completed over the course of several visits and can take several months to complete. Below you can learn more about each of these five steps.
Step 1: Getting Molds/Dental Impressions Taken
In order to provide you with replacement teeth that both look and feel as real as possible, your dentist will want to fashion your dental crowns or dentures after the size and shape of your natural teeth. In order to do this your dentist will need to make molds, also known as dental impressions, of both your teeth and the surrounding gums. This step of the process is quick, easy, and painless.
Step 2: Completing Any Necessary Extractions And Grafts
This step of the process will be a bit different for every patient because the goal of this step is to ensure you are ready to get your implants placed into your jaw. In order to accomplish this goal your dentist will need to extract any remaining teeth that your new implants will be replacing. If you have any bone loss in your jaw, your dentist may also need to complete bone grafts in order to strengthen the bone before you get your implants.
Step 3: Having Implants Surgically Placed
At this point, you will be ready to undergo oral surgery in order to have your dental implants placed in your jaw. This step in the process will require the use of a general anesthetic and will therefore require you to bring someone with you to your appointment so that they can drive you home once the surgery is complete.
Step 4: Allow Time For Jaw To Heal
While the small incisions in your gums that are used to surgically place your implants will heal rather quickly, you will also need to allow time for the underlying bone to heal as well. This is very important because as your jaw heals, this bone will begin to grow around your implants and provide them with strength. This process can take months for some people. Consequently, your dentist will likely offer a temporary tooth replacement solution during this time.
Step 5: Attach Dental Crowns Or Dentures
Once your jaw has healed your implants will be ready to support the dental crowns or dentures that you are using to replace your missing teeth. Your dentist will be able to attach these crowns or dentures to your implants in a very quick visit that should not require the use of any anesthetics.
Reach out to a dentist to learn more about the dental implant procedure.
Share24 October 2022
If you are someone who hesitates to open your mouth when you smile because you are embarrassed about your teeth, you should know that there are a number of cosmetic techniques that can give you a beautiful smile you will be proud to show to the world. As a cosmetic dentist, I have seen many clients transform their lives simply by fixing their smiles. This blog is meant to encourage people to find out about the possibilities in cosmetic dentistry so they can feel good about their smiles. A beautiful, confident smile really can change your life. I would love to show you how.
