Dental implants have become a common procedure for anyone with dental and oral issues. The process of implanting a surgical fixture into the jaw to resemble existing teeth has been one of the easiest ways to fill in gaps. The reasons for dental implants vary from tooth decay or extractions, jaw structure and alignment.
There are numerous advantages with dental implants. They are permanent, fitted to fit the size and colour of existing teeth and require less care than wearing dentures or dental bridges. However similar to any surgery, dental implants too have a procedure to be carried out.
Pre-Surgery
The dental implants treatment is similar to any other dental procedure or surgery. This too requires a local anaesthetic in order to numb the area being operated. There are typically two types of dental implants, Endosteal and Subperiosteal. Endosteal is implanting the screw and tooth right into the gap that is being filled.
Subperiosteal is the process of fitting only the tooth into the existing gum. However, this procedure was made redundant, as it was not effective or practical compared to the endosteal process. X-rays or CT scans are first carried out in order to assess the course of action. Since this is a permanent fixture, the orthodontist will have to carefully measure the size and width of the implant.
During surgery
The procedure for the surgery depends on the root cause. If it is due to decaying or bad teeth an extraction will need to be carried out first. However, if it is to fill gaps then the orthodontist will proceed into the implanting the tooth. The procedure will alter depending on the situation and the type of implant is determined by the overall health of the gums, the strength of the teeth and whether it is the upper or lower jaw.
In the event the implant is placed into the place where an extraction has taken place then there will be possibly time given for the wound to heal before the implant is placed. The extent of the implant will be determined by the gap the existing tooth has left. The procedure itself does not take very long but can vary depending on the patient. Bleeding gums and cracks in existing teeth can sometimes take place unexpectedly.
Post-surgery
The recovery process is just like healing from an extraction. The anaesthetic numbs the pain during the surgery but wears off over the next few hours. The patient will feel a difference in their mouth but it should not be worse than a slight throb, however that can vary from patient to patient. The healing process takes a few weeks and you will need to check in with your Doctor to check progress.
The cool pack will help numb persistent pain along with painkillers if required. Once the wound heals the implant will feel very normal to existing teeth with no outward difference to be noticed. Thereby proving that dental implants is the most versatile and approved long term procedure or teeth reconstruction.