What Is the Dental Implants Procedure?

Loss of teeth throws your bite out of alignment and alters the shape of your face. Tooth loss also makes you self-conscious about your smile. If you start seeking missing teeth replacement, your dentist in Dorval QC might recommend artificial teeth embedded in or near your jawbone with dental implants.

Dental implants are surgically embedded in your jawbone to function as artificial tooth roots. Over several months the bone surrounding the implant grows, holding it firmly in place. Replacement teeth are finally attached with a metal connector to the implant to fill the gap in your mouth.

Dental Implant Types

There are two types of dental implants. They are:

Endosteal Implants

The most common variety of dental implant is the endosteal implant. Endosteal implants are made from bio-compatible materials like titanium and resemble tiny screws. These implants are surgically embedded deep into your jawbone, where they replace your natural tooth roots. One implant can help anchor one of several teeth.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are helpful if you do not have sufficient healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are inserted under the gums without drilling into the jawbone, and their placement is on the bone instead of in it.

The Dental Implants Procedure

Multiple steps are essential during the dental implant procedure. The process requires approximately three to nine months needing the help of several dental specialists, including periodontists and oral surgeons, before you can have tooth implants to complete the treatment.

Evaluation

The first step is to have your teeth, gums, and jawbone evaluated. An essential part of this initial assessment is determining whether you have sufficient healthy jawbone to maintain the implants. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, you require a bone graft or sinus lift to start the implant placement process. Your gums must also be free from periodontal disease.

You can have dental implants to replace one or more teeth. How many teeth you want to replace will determine the type and scope of the procedure.

The surgery for getting dental implants in Dorval, QC, is generally an outpatient procedure. It is performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Your provider will keep you informed about which type of anesthesia you need ahead of time.

Implant Placement

If you are receiving an endosteal implant, an oral surgeon will cut your gums, exposing the jawbone beneath. Holes are drilled deep into the pool to insert the implant post. If you prefer, a temporary removable denture is placed over the hole for aesthetic purposes until you can have a permanent tooth over the post.

If you have a subperiosteal implant, drilling the jawbone isn’t necessary. Instead, the implant post is placed on or above the bone.

Regardless of which implant you receive, you can expect some discomfort and swelling later. The pain might last for several days, but most people resume their regular activities the day after dental implant placement.

Osseointegration

After dental implant placement, you require three to six months before new bone growth occurs around the implant. This process is called osseointegration, indicating integration with the bone. During osseointegration, your natural jawbone will strengthen and grow around the dental implant to keep it firmly in place, ensuring it functions as an artificial tooth root.

Abutment Placement

A metal connector called an abutment is added to the implant either during the initial procedure or in a second minor process under local anesthesia. Abutments help connect the replacement tooth to the implant.

If placing abutments in a second procedure, the surgeon makes incisions if gum tissue has grown over the implant. The incision is required because surgeons place a healing cap over the implant after placement. While the healing cap protects the implant, it also prevents tissue from growing around it. During the second procedure, removing the healing cap enables the surgeon to screw the abutment onto the dental implant. The gum tissue contours around the implant after that. Your gums require several weeks to heal after abutment placement.

Artificial Tooth Placement

After you complete healing, your dentist impressions your teeth to have your permanent replacement tooth custom created. You can have fixed or removable replacement teeth. If you select a fixed tooth, it is permanently screwed or cemented over the abutment. However, if you prefer a removable tooth, it is mounted on a metal frame and attached to the abutment.

After completing your process, let your dentist know if your mouth feels uncomfortable or if you experience ongoing discomfort, severe pain, bleeding, swelling, and an uneven or uncomfortable bite.

Your new teeth will appear and feel natural. However, they require daily care by brushing and flossing. You can treat the implant like your natural teeth without needing unique materials to clean them. Ensure that you visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent infections in your mouth.

If you wish to replace missing teeth with dental implants in Dorval, QC, Clinique Dentaire Dorval provides the dental implants described in this article. Kindly schedule your appointment with them today to get natural-looking and feeling artificial teeth.