What is Required to Place Dental Implants?

What is Required to Place Dental Implants? from Smiles by Design, PC in Huntsville, ALThe teeth are an essential part of the human body, which is why so many people turn to dental implants. Without enough teeth, it is harder for people to bite into and chew their food and harder to enunciate certain words when speaking. When many teeth are missing, the shape of the face will change, causing some people to lose self-esteem as well. Implants solve many of these problems for people who are good candidates for the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for the implant procedure?

There are several requirements that a patient must meet in order to be eligible for the implant procedure. Most obviously, the patient must have at least one missing tooth. Additionally, to be a good candidate, the patient must have a jawbone that has reached its full growth. Ideally, the jawbone will be strong enough to hold the implant on its own, but some patients may be eligible for a bone graft if healthy bone is required. The patient must be in good overall health, should not use tobacco, and cannot have any conditions that would affect the healing of the bone. Finally, a good candidate must understand that the process takes several months to complete in most cases.

What can the patient expect during the implant procedure?

Getting dental implants requires several steps and often spans several months.

Evaluation

The first implant appointment is a consultation. The dentist examines the patient's overall health and oral health, takes X-rays and CT scans of the jawbone to ensure it is healthy enough for the procedure, takes bite impressions, and performs color matching to ensure the implants will match the remaining natural teeth.

Extraction

If there are any broken teeth that need to be replaced, the dentist will remove them. This may be done during the initial consultation, at a separate appointment, or during the appointment for implant insertion. Patients should avoid smoking, spitting excessively, blowing their nose, or drinking through a straw, all of which can cause dry socket and prolong healing time.

Bone grafting and implant insertion

If the jawbone is not strong enough, then bone will be taken from a different part of the jawbone and inserted where the implant will be. Those who need grafting first may need to allow that to heal before the implants are done. Those who do not need grafting will have the implants added to the healthy jawbone right away. Depending on which procedures are necessary and how quickly the patient heals, this process can take three to nine months.

Abutment and permanent crown placement

When the jaw is stable, it is time to place the abutments, which is what connects the implant to the dental crown. Finally, the permanent crowns are placed on the abutment. Once implanted, they are permanent and require daily brushing and flossing to remain healthy. Additionally, the patient should continue to see the dentist at least once per year.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Huntsville, AL

Conclusion

With dental implants in place, patients can bite, chew, and speak more easily, not to mention feel better about their appearance.

Request an appointment or call Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

Recent Posts

How To Know If Dental Implants Are For You

If you are missing one or more permanent teeth, dental implants may be an option for replacing them. Placing the implants requires an operation, and not everyone is a candidate for the surgery. Your dentist can discuss the criteria you must meet to be eligible. If you do not meet the criteria now, it may…

4 Facts To Consider About Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth or dentures that move around on you, you might want to consider dental implants. Essentially, implants are man-made devices that act as anchors for various forms of artificial teeth. They can be a great way to restore both your smile and your confidence. Here are some important…

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…

Recent Posts

How Invisalign Is More Convenient Than Traditional Braces

How Invisalign Is More Convenient Than Traditional Braces

You may know that Invisalign® is different than traditional braces, but you may not know all the reasons why. Both Invisalign and traditional braces straighten your teeth and correct other issues, but in very different ways. For many, Invisalign aligners are a great choice to straighten the teeth without visible brackets and wires. There are…

What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…