Thursday, February 21, 2008

Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure

by Laura Eagle

Dental Implant Procedure: A Plain Explanation
Many people are getting dental implants as a cure for their dental problems. Dental implants are preferred over dentures because they not only look and function like real teeth but also are convenient and enduring. For some, the understanding of the exact dental implant procedure is perhaps something that will help them make the determination.
Getting Advice from Your Dentist
Before getting the implants, you should have your dentist thoroughly check your dental condition. This may also involve an assessment of your overall health condition, medical history and any medications you are currently under. This initial examination is a key step to determine whether you are suitable for taking implants.

You consultation with your dentist will also help to determine the right implant procedure and the exact form of implants to be used. As patients' jaw conditions and medical conditions vary, the selection of implant type is just as important as the actual implant procedure. In some cases, bone grafting or antibiotics is required before implantation.
Inserting the Implants
The placement of the implant is the first step in the whole process. Almost all implants are made of titanium. So far, titanium is believed to be the best material that can perfectly merge with our jawbones. In some rare cases, however, the implants could be eventually rejected.
Before the implantation, bone grafting is a must step for patients with insufficient jawbones. Others can proceed to the implantation directly. As can be imagined, anesthesia is used before the dentist open your gum and drill your jawbone. This is followed by the placement of implants and the stitching of your gum opening.
Healing of the First Step
What you may not realise is that you can only go for the next step after a couple of months. During this waiting period, your bone will grow around and merge well with the implant. For some patients, this healing period may take half a year at the most.
Attaching the Post
After your jawbone fully heals around the implant, a post will be attached in order to hold the crown or artificial tooth. The dentist will make another opening in your gum and then attach to post to the implant. After that, you will be asked to rest for another couple of week so that your gum will heal around the post.
Crown Placement
Once your gum heals, the dentist will head off to make the crown. To do that, he needs to first take impressions of your teeth, so that the specially made crown will resemble your missing tooth in color and appearance. When finished, the crown is attached to the post.
The dental implant procedure is a straightforward one to most patients. What most people do not realise is that it could take as long as eight months to finalise the whole process. Whatever you feel about it, it is always important to find an experienced dentist to do the job for you. With an expert, the success of your implantation is more assured.

No comments: