Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They are durable and look and feel like your natural teeth. They can also help preserve the bone where the tooth was lost. They are more comfortable than dentures and do not require adhesives to stay in place. However, dental implant surgery can take multiple surgeries with months of healing between each procedure. It can also be expensive compared to traditional (removable) complete dentures. The good news is that dental implants are long-term replacements for your missing teeth that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. To improve the chances of success with dental implants, patients should follow an oral health routine that includes daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional cleanings.
The first step in getting dental implants is for a specialist to examine your mouth and jaw bones. This will determine whether the jaw bone is thick enough to support an implant over a long period of time. If the bone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be required. This involves transplanting bone tissue from elsewhere in the body or using synthetic material. Depending on the extent of the graft, it may take several months for the new bone to grow and heal.
In addition, patients must have good general oral health, meaning healthy gums and no periodontal disease. This is important because the success of an implant depends on its integration into the surrounding bone, and the integrity of the gums and surrounding tissue. Patients with diabetes or who have autoimmune diseases may be at a greater risk of complications during the surgical process.
After a comprehensive dental exam, including dental X-rays and 3D images, and models of your teeth and jaw, the surgeon will decide if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery. They will discuss your goals for replacing your missing teeth, as well as the number of implants you need. In some cases, additional planning with other specialists is needed, such as a dentist who specializes in treating the tissues that support the teeth, known as a periodontist, or an ear, nose and throat doctor.
Before your surgery, you should prepare by arranging for transportation to and from the procedure, as you will not be able to drive after the local anesthetic wears off. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything except water for a few hours before the procedure. You should also prepare a list of your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as any vitamins or supplements you are taking.
On the day of your procedure, you will be given oral or IV sedation to help you relax. Then the surgeon will drill into your jawbone and insert a metal post, which is the equivalent of the tooth root. A spacer is then placed on the post to prevent your bone from growing over the implant. After a few months, when the bone has healed around the implant, the dentist will add a connector piece called an abutment.
