Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing and severely decayed teeth. These implants replace the visible portion of a tooth as well as its roots. Dental implants are held in place by your own natural jaw bone, so you will not need to apply dental adhesives or remove your implants at night. Here are the things you'll need to do if you're interested in taking advantage of this dental treatment:
1. Undergo a dental extraction if necessary.
You can have dental implant surgery even if you're not currently missing any teeth. In some cases, your dentist will decide that your teeth are too severely decayed to undergo restorative procedures, in which case they will suggest a dental extraction. During this procedure, your dentist will surgically remove the affected tooth after numbing your mouth with local anesthesia. You may be able to have a dental implant installed during the same appointment as your dental extraction at your dentist's discretion.
2. Attend your dental implant procedure.
Dental implants are surgically placed in patients' jaws. This procedure is typically performed while the patient is awake, using local anesthesia to numb the area. This means that you may feel some pressure during your dental implant surgery, but you don't need to worry about feeling any pain. If you're concerned about the procedure due to a dental phobia, you can talk to your dentist about sedation options.
3. Care for your new dental implant according to your dentist's instructions.
After your dental implant is surgically installed, you will be sent home to begin the healing process. It can take several weeks for your jaw bone to fully heal around your dental implant. However, the soft tissue of your gums will heal much more quickly. Your dentist will give you a set of instructions to follow to ensure optimal healing. You will be asked to keep your dental implant clean and to avoid doing anything that might damage the healing tissue.
4. Return for your dental crown.
You will receive your dental crown once your mouth has healed from the implant procedure. Dental crowns are attached to dental implants using abutments so they can be used as prosthetic teeth. This portion of your dental implant procedure will be painless since your dental implant is already fully healed. Once your dental crown has been installed, your dentist will check to make sure that it fits in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to your bite.
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