It might surprise you to know that more than 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth. While a large percentage of that number is the geriatric population, a significant percentage of younger generations are also missing all or some of their teeth.
So it should come as no surprise that dental implants are on the rise across the US. A dental implant procedure is a great option for many people to bring both functionality and confidence back to their life.
If you’re considering having a dental implant procedure, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to expect. That’s why we’ve put together this quick and helpful guide to answer all your questions.
Types of Dental Implants
We’ll start with the two main types of dental implants. The first is endosteal. This is the most common type of dental implant. They’re usually shaped like small screws and are placed in the jawbone.
The second type of dental implant is subperiosteal. This type of implant is placed on or above the jawbone. This is more popular for those who can’t wear conventional dentures due to a lack of bone height or other issues.
The type you have will dictate the exact steps involved in the procedure. The number of implants you’re having will also affect the length of recovery and procedure time too. For example, a single tooth replacement is much quicker than a complete replacement.
Before Your Dental Implant Procedure
There are many steps involved in dental implants before the procedure itself.
This process will start with your dentist taking x-rays to assess your viability. They’ll use these to check your bone condition and look for any potential problems.
After this, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. In this step, you’ll bite down on a tray filled with a soft liquid that will solidify, creating a perfect map of your mouth. This impression gives a good replica of your gums and remaining teeth so your dentist can make a perfect fit.
Dental Implant Procedure Steps
On the day of your procedure, your dentist will opt to either use a local anesthetic or put you under sedation. This will depend on how extensive the work you’re having done is. So for example, those having a full set of implants are more likely to be put under full sedation.
Once you’re comfortable, your dentist may need to remove any damaged teeth. After this, they’ll make an incision in your gum and drill into the exposed bone to place the implant.
Your dentist will then implant the titanium framework that your new tooth or teeth will sit on. They’ll then close the incision with stitches.
Most often, your implant won’t be installed on the same day. Your mouth needs to heal, so you’ll leave with the implant fixture in place.
You’ll come back for a second consultation in three to six months to get the crown fitted. This involves getting a second impression of your mouth so your dentist can get a perfect alignment.
State of the Art Dental Implants
A dental implant procedure is very common and nothing to worry about. The procedure involves several appointments to make sure you get the absolute best results and restore your smile.
If you’re looking for an experienced dental implant professional in Redlands, book an appointment with us today.
