Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing or broken teeth. This permanent solution can not only give you back optimal chewing function, but it also gives you the same feel and look as natural teeth.
But how is a dental implant placed? What is the procedure for getting an implant?
In this article, learn more about the process of getting a dental implant.
1. Rigorous oral examination by the maxillofacial surgeon
Before proceeding with the placement of a dental implant, it will be necessary to make an initial appointment with your maxillofacial surgeon referred by your dentist. During this meeting, the surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to validate the treatment plan developed by your dentist.
The surgeon will perform a 3D x-ray of your mouth to get a closer look at its structure and determine if a bone graft is necessary. The loss of a tooth can lead to gum recession, as the gums are no longer stimulated.
Your surgeon will also suggest various methods to ensure your comfort, such as intravenous sedation. You will have the option of sleeping during your maxillofacial surgery to reduce your anxiety.
Once this examination is completed, you will be ready for surgery.
2. The process of dental implant placement
The next step is the placement of the dental implant. The dental implant acts as an artificial root for the tooth to be replaced.
The titanium implant (a metal that is well accepted by the human body) is similar to a screw, and is inserted directly into your jawbone where the missing tooth was located. To do this, the surgeon chooses from a variety of dental implant placement techniques to perfectly suit your needs.
Following this procedure, the implant slowly fuses to your jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This healing period takes between 8 and 10 weeks.
3. Verification of your dental implant and preparation for the placement of the prosthesis
Once the bone and gum tissue have healed, your surgeon will test the implant by applying a small amount of force. Since the success rate of implant placement is over 96%, this step requires no anesthesia and is painless.
Afterwards, the healing abutment is replaced so that you can return to your dentist to have your dentures installed.
4. Installation of the dental prosthesis
The final step in the dental implant procedure is the installation of a single (crown) or multiple (fixed bridge on implants) denture. Custom-made with great precision, it serves as a replacement for your missing tooth.
Once the dental prosthesis is installed, you can finally regain full chewing function and a radiant smile.
A properly placed dental implant will improve your health and well-being
The placement of a dental implant is a four-step procedure: the oral examination by a maxillofacial surgeon, the placement of the implant, the verification of the integration and the installation of the dental prosthesis.
Although this procedure takes a few months to complete, the results obtained will undoubtedly contribute to improving your physical and psychological health!
Looking for a clinic specializing in maxillofacial surgery in Gatineau? Contact Clinique Evoro now! You are assured of receiving high quality services that will meet your dental health needs, even in case of dental emergencies!