A missing tooth not only affects your smile, but it also could impact your dental health. Even though implants take multiple appointments to complete, and even though they may be expensive, implants can help prevent serious complications that can arise from having a missing tooth.
The process of putting in an implant
The implant procedure is relatively standard, but your individual dentist may have his or her own technique. Here is an example of the dental implant process.
Thankfully, that part of the mouth where the implant goes will be numbed entirely before your dentist begins work on the implant. After you are comfortably numb, the dentist will make an incision in your gums to expose the bone underneath.
After the bone is exposed, the implant will be screwed into place. A second piece may be screwed into the implant that will be exposed above the gums. The dentist will then close the gums back over the implant, and then you will be sent home to heal. During the healing process, the implant will attach to the bone.
When you return to the dentist, he or she may make another small incision in the gums to expose the implant. This might not be necessary if the dentist had previously secured a separate piece above the implant.
An abutment will be secured to the implant. This will connect the new tooth to the implant that has healed below your gum line.
Once the implant is healed and the abutment is secured, the dentist will make impressions of your mouth. These impressions will be used to create a new tooth.
The final step will be the placement of your new crown. The gap in your smile will be filled with a beautiful new tooth.
Does the implant procedure hurt?
Although most people don’t love the idea of having dental procedures, implant surgery is not necessarily painful. The dentist will keep you comfortable during the process, and any discomfort that you experience within the next day or two can be treated with over the counter pain medication.
Most people return to their normal activities the day after the procedure.
An implant is an excellent option for someone who does not want to wear dentures. In order for the implant procedure to be successful, the patient needs to enjoy good overall health.
