February 6, 2023
Getting dental implants is a procedure that takes multiple sittings and is done over a period of several months.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, a dental evaluation will be done in order to get a clear idea about the state of your gums, teeth, and jawbone. This evaluation is absolutely necessary because good health of your jawbone is the fundamental requirement for getting dental implants.
Your jawbone mass and density are evaluated and once our dental implant specialist deems you fit for the procedure, you are suggested to move to the next stage.
An experienced dental implant specialist will always ensure that the procedure is comfortable and pain-free for you. For this, they will use a suitable mode of anesthesia.
In the next session, an experienced dental implant specialist or an oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums.
Subsequently, small holes will be made into the jawbone where screw-like titanium posts are inserted and secured. This metal post will serve as the root for your implanted teeth.
After this procedure, you may feel some discomfort along with general swelling which should subside after a few days. Getting this procedure done does not affect your daily life.
Also Read: How Dental Implants Can Give You The Smile Of Your Dreams
How long does dental implant surgery last?
The time taken for dental implant surgery may range between 1-2 hours per implant. The time taken for a dental implant procedure also depends upon the complexity of your case.
Osseointegration
After the metal posts are placed, your jawbone will naturally heal and grow around them. This gives strength to the metal roots and ensures that they are strong enough to work like your natural teeth. This process is known as osseointegration and it takes between four to six months.
Placing the Abutments
This is a crucial part of getting dental implants. Now, the oral surgeon fixes metal abutments to the implants. These abutments will be later fixed to the prosthetic teeth, finishing the process. If your oral surgeon calls you for this procedure several months after getting the implants, he may have to make an incision in your gum line to remove the protective cap for the implants.
Once the healing cap is removed, the abutments can be easily attached to the implants. Once this is done, your gums will be allowed to heal. They will contour around the metal abutments naturally.
Finishing Touch – Placing the Teeth
Our dentists at Kirkland Premier Dentistry have already taken an impression of your mouth so that they can create perfect replacement teeth to match your original teeth.
The shape and color of the prosthetic teeth are accurately matched according to the surrounding teeth. The new prosthetic teeth are attached to the abutment, completing the structure of the teeth.
Your dental implant procedure is now complete.
Dental implant procedure aftercare
The initial few days will be the most uncomfortable. You will experience pain and swelling. Your dentist will suggest using over-the-counter painkillers.
Most patients recover in a week after getting their dental implant surgery. For the best after-implant recovery, you are suggested to follow the instructions provided by your implant specialist.
What to eat after dental implant surgery?
You will be suggested to eat soft and easy-to-eat foods which don’t require you to chew. Gradually, regular foods will be introduced into your diet as your teeth get less sensitive.
You will be suggested to strictly avoid hard, sharp, or sticky foods. Hot and cold foods need to be avoided during the initial stages of recovery.
How to care for teeth after dental implants?
The implanted teeth are very convenient to care for. You would already know how to care for them because they work and look like your real teeth.
You have to care for them just like you would take care of your natural teeth. You are suggested to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Apart from regular care, you are also suggested to visit the dental clinic at least twice a year to get your teeth checked. Proper oral care will ensure that your natural teeth do not get infections.
Even though implanted teeth do not get infected, if the surrounding teeth get infected, it can affect your jawbone which will directly affect the implanted teeth.
If you have more questions about getting dental implants, you can talk to our dental implants specialist at Kirkland Premier Dentistry.
