What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants in newark oh are artificial teeth which are implanted into the mouth and jaw. Implants are often used when an adult loses their teeth, which is especially common as people age. Dental implants are created to look, feel and act like natural teeth. In addition to helping preserve the aesthetic appearance of the mouth, dental implants also preserve the overall mouth structure. They preserve the other teeth from moving out of their normal positions and also help preserve the jaw from bone loss.
Dental implants are made from a metal post which is then topped with an artificial tooth. This implant is placed directly into the gumline, which aids in maintaining the structure of the remaining teeth and provides a strong secure based for chewing and biting.
Dental implant surgery starts with the replacing the root area from the missing tooth with a metal, screw-like post. The artificial tooth is attached to the implant post. Because the artificial teeth look and act like real teeth, this is a great alternative to wearing dentures or opting for ill-fitting bridgework.
Depending on the type of implant being used and the health of your jawbone, the dental implant surgery may be performed in multiple steps. The procedure requires the jawbone to fuse with the dental implant essentially attaching it to the gumline. The implants are usually manufactured from titanium because it fuses the implant to the jawbone, is durable and doesn’t decay like other products.
Dental Implant Surgery Risks & Complications
Similar to any other medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with dental implant surgery. While the possible issues and complications are quite rare, there is a small risk of infection where the implant is placed, which can result in future issues.
Other complications that are possible from the surgery include causing damage to the surrounding teeth, nerve damage to adjacent teeth and damage to the lips or gums. When discussing dental implant surgery with your dentist or oral surgeon, they will review these possible risks and address any concerns you have prior to the procedure.
Dental Implant Surgery Procedure
Initial Evaluation
Because several surgical procedures can be necessary for dental implants, your dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation prior to beginning the treatment. The evaluation will include X-rays and teeth models to ensure the dental implants closely match with your natural teeth and to provide a perfect fit.
During the Surgery
Dental implant surgery is often done in multiple stages. The jawbone needs to completely heal around the implant before additional work can be done. In summary, the procedure includes the following steps:
- If the tooth is still present, the damaged tooth is removed
- The jawbone is prepared for surgery which may include bone grafting (when needed)
- Once the jawbone is ready, the implant is inserted into the gumline
- Once the jaw is completely healed, the surgeon attaches the temporary abutment to the implant and places the artificial tooth on top
Placing the Abutment
Once the implant is placed and the healing processes is complete, the permanent abutment is installed. An abutment is the piece that attaches to the dental implant which includes the artificial teeth. This is a minor outpatient procedure and is typically completed using a local anesthetic.
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