It is not easy to make the decision to get dental implants. They are an expensive investment. While they may provide the best way to restore a person’s missing or broken teeth, they do carry some risks and are not always perfect. There are many things that an individual will have to do before they get the procedure.

  • Find the right dental surgeon to do the dental implants

  • Choose a facility to have the procedure done

  • Determine how they will pay for the procedure

The best way to make the right decision about dental implants is to be informed. The more an individual understands the dental implant procedure. They need to know what the steps are before, during and after the dental implant surgery.

Consultation

The first step is to consult with a dental professional about the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the teeth and gums. They will be checking bone density and quantity to make sure the bone structure is sufficient to place the implants. This will often require x-rays and CT scans be done.

If the bones or gum tissue are not sufficient, the dentist may recommend grafts to build up these areas. They will also make sure a patient will commit to the aftercare that is needed for a successful dental implant procedure.

The Procedure

The most common form of dental implants is called Osseointegration. This procedure is the most successful type of procedure done. The procedure is typically done using a local anesthesia, although it is possible that a patient could request other types of anesthesia.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dental surgeon will drill a pilot hole in the space where the implant will be placed. The pilot hole will guide the titanium screw as it is put in place. It will also prevent any damage to the teeth as the implant is put into the bone.

After the original pilot hole is done, it will be slowly widened to accept the screw that will be put into place. At this time, the implant will be screwed into place. The gum tissue will be secured over the implant after it has been put in place. A cover screw will be put into place over the titanium implant so that the surrounding area will be allowed to heal.

Once the implant site has healed, the dental surgeon will attach an abutment that will be used to hold the crown in place. A temporary crown will be put in place until it is replaced with a permanent crown.

After the procedure

A dental implant is a surgical procedure. The aftercare plays a large role in how successful the implant is. It will take from 3 to 6 months for the implant to heal sufficiently for a temporary crown to be put in place. During this time, the patient must maintain very good oral hygiene. If the area is not kept clean and free of bacteria, the implant may not be able to heal properly and the procedure will fail. One the permanent crown is in place a patient should practice good oral hygiene, including seeing their dentist for professional cleaning. When they do that the crown will last between 10 to 15 years.