Dental implants are often pricey and can be time-consuming, so, naturally, patients want to know: What is the procedure for getting dental implants? In this article, we address the question and outline the steps involved in obtaining dental implants.
What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Implant?
Getting dental implants typically involves multiple steps, including preparation, post-procedure recovery, and care. On the whole, you can expect to have fully healed dental implants within 4 to 6 months, depending on your general and oral health condition. Let us examine what each stage of the procedure entails.
Preparation for Dental Implants
Before you can get dental implants, your doctor needs to determine if you are eligible for the procedure. Some requirements have to be met to have a successful dental implant procedure:
- Your body needs to have sufficient capacity for regeneration so that implants can successfully integrate and fuse with the jawbone. Certain general health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, can hinder the success of dental implant procedures.
- Your jaw bone should have enough density to be able to support the implanted metal post that replaces roots of a natural tooth. Often, patients who have been missing one or more teeth for over a year experience a condition known as jawbone resorption, characterized by a loss of bone density. If this is the case, you will most likely be recommended to have dental grafts placed first to prompt bone regeneration. Once the bone density is sufficiently restored, it can support a dental implant. Bone grafting can add up to 3 months to the process of getting dental implants.
Once your doctor ensures that you are a good candidate for successful implant placement, they will take all the necessary scans and impressions of your mouth to make sure that the future implants are a good fit for you.
The Procedure of Dental Implant Placement
The procedure of dental implant placement is a surgery that is always performed under local anesthesia to block pain and prevent discomfort. During the procedure, screw-like metal posts (the implants) are installed into the jawbone. These posts will fuse with the bone to act like roots of natural teeth and later support the artificial crowns. The implanted posts usually do not protrude above the gum line.
Dental Implant Recovery and Crown Placement
Often, some time (2 to 6 months) is allowed for the implants to heal and fuse with the bone securely before the crowns are attached to them. This prevents the patient from chewing on the implanted teeth, thereby disturbing the healing process, which could lead to implant failure. However, in some cases, you might get dental crowns right away, particularly for the front teeth, which have a lower bite force.
During the first weeks of dental implant recovery, you can experience some pain and soreness in the mouth and swelling and bruising of the jaw. However, if the procedure is successful, these side effects are effectively managed with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses and will gradually subside as the healing progresses. Often, antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent infections.
When the implants are fully healed and the crowns are placed, you will be able to enjoy up to 90% of your natural bite force and the natural appearance they provide in the mouth.
Get High-Quality Dental Implants at Highland Smiles
The quality of the materials used and the surgeon’s skill and experience are two key factors for a successful dental implant procedure. If you have decided to get dental implants, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a reliable dentist at our office to receive long-lasting dental restoration. We look forward to your visit.
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