How Are Dental Implants Done? Learn How They Can Beautify Your Smile

A missing, broken, or discoloured tooth can throw your jaw out of alignment and make you self-conscious about your smile. When a tooth is damaged, it can make chewing uncomfortable and prevent you from getting the necessary vitamins and minerals you need for your well-being. 

Your dentist may have suggested dental implants as a solution, but you may be wondering how are dental implants done and what dental implant surgery entails. 

What Are Dental Implants?

The dental implant procedure makes a stable bite and natural-looking smile possible again for those with missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more teeth missing teeth due to decay, injury, gum disease or infection. 

When you get a free consultation at your local dental clinic, your dentist will go over your tooth replacement options, whether dental implant surgery is right for you, and how are dental implants done.

Dental implants are made of three main parts: 

• A small metal screw made of titanium is surgically set into the jaw’s bone. Once the surrounding bone tissue heals, the screw will be securely held and take the place of the root of the original tooth. The other end of the screw is then topped with an abutment and then a dental crown–an artificial tooth–to fill the gap left by the missing original tooth.
• An abutment is a metal extender that is added to the implant either during the initial dental implant surgery or during a second procedure. The abutment allows the crown to be placed on the end of the implant.
• Dental crowns are typically made from metal, porcelain or ceramic and are added to the abutment to complete the dental implant and create the replacement tooth.

How Are Dental Implants Done?

When someone has a dental implant procedure, the dental implants are placed in the jawbone throughout a series of minor oral surgeries. Once healed, the dental implants will be nearly indistinguishable from the original tooth. If there has been bone loss in the jaw, a bone graft may be required before the dental implant procedure begins to ensure the dental implant remains stable.

Dental Implant Surgery

When learning how are dental implants done, you will discover that you have to undergo dental implant surgery, which requires several steps over three to nine months. The dental implant procedure usually consists of three or four steps:

• Evaluation

Once you and your dentist decide to go forward with the dental implant procedure,  your mouth will be X-rayed and/or scanned to provide a clear picture of the implant site.

• Implant placement

An incision is made in the gums, and the metal rod is inserted. There are two types of implant placement:

• An endosteal implant is inserted into holes that are drilled deep into the jawbone. 
• The post of a subperiosteal implant sits directly on or above the jawbone rather than within the bone. 

Once the screw is implanted in or on the jawbone, the surgical incision will be sutured closed so the jaw can heal. A temporary healing cap or crown may be placed over the implant to protect it. 

• Healing Of The Jaw

Next, the jawbone heals, stabilising the dental implant. Over time, new bone grows around the screw, holding it in place so that it can function as the replacement tooth’s new root. This healing process is called osseointegration and may take anywhere from two to six months to complete. 

• Abutment

If the abutment is placed during the initial surgery, it will heal along with the dental implants; however, sometimes, the abutment is placed during a second surgery during the dental implant procedure. The site is reopened to add an abutment and takes about two weeks to heal.  

• Replacement tooth

The final step of dental implant surgery is to have the replacement tooth fitted to the abutment.

Usually, a crown is made from porcelain or zirconia to match the original and surrounding teeth. The crown is then cemented to the implant, and your smile is restored.

Dental Implants Near You

Finding a Dubbo dentist that offers free consultations is easy when you let Advanced Dental Care help you to bring out the very best in your smile. We offer a wide range of dental services, from preventative check-ups to restorative dental implants and bridges. 

Cosmetic procedures are available, too, in our modern, full-service facility, so call now for a free dental consultation near you on (02) 6188 7103 and find out how our skilled dental professionals at Advanced Dental Care can improve your oral health and smile. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant

Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure#types-of-implants

Dental Implant Procedure: Everything You Need to Know
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-during-a-dental-implant-procedure-1059372