Dental Implant Surgery: What You Can Expect

Posted on: 20 June 2016

If you have a tooth which has been badly damaged or lost, your dentist may recommend filling the gap using a dental implant. Inserting a dental implant will require dental surgery. The idea of undergoing dental surgery might make some people want to recoil, but due to advances in dental technology the process is faster and less painful that it used to be. A dental implant is a fantastic way to restore your smile. Below is a brief guide to the process of fitting dental implants. 

Assessment 

Your dentist will first inspect and assess your teeth and over all oral health. They will then talk you through the options as to the location and number of implants required. If you decide to go ahead, your dentist will then explain possible complications which could arise, such as infections at the site of the implant or your body rejecting the implants. The dentist will also discuss pain relief options. Your next appointment will be when the treatment begins and the base of the implant is inserted.

Base Implant

Before starting work, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area he or she will be working on. They will then make a small incision in the gums where they intend to insert the implant. They will use a dental drill to create space within the gum and jaw bone to accommodate the implant, and the implant will then be inserted into the mouth and secured in place. Because the crown of the artificial tooth has not yet been fitted, a cap is then placed on the base and the incision in your gum will be closed. You will normally have to wait a few months before your next appointment so that your jaw bone and the base implant can rise together.

Fitting the Crown

At your next appointment, your dentist will begin by using local anaesthetic and opening up the implant site with another incision. They will then attach the crown to the base implant and the surgery will be complete. The crown will have been specially designed to match the other teeth in your mouth. You will probably be asked to return to your dentist a few weeks after the fitting of the crown so that your dentist can check that all is well.

If you are interested in dental implant surgery, you should contact a dental health professional who will be able to offer advice and treatment as required.  

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