A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. It can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth in a dental arch. Dental implants nowadays are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits.
If you are considering dental implants and analyzing full arch dental implants cost, it is essential that you understand the process and what is involved.
This blog post will outline ten steps to successful dental implants. It will give you a better idea of what to expect during the procedure. By keeping in mind that every case is different, your dentist may have other recommendations depending on your situation.
10 Steps to a dental implant:
You just woke up one fine morning to find that you have lost a tooth. You panic and rush to the mirror, only to realize it’s just a dream. But then you remember that you did lose a tooth last week, and now you’re faced with the reality of needing a dental implant. The thought of surgery is daunting, but you know it’s necessary. So what steps are involved in getting a dental implant?
- The first step is to consult your dentist to see if dental implants are right for you. They will make sure to evaluate your oral health and discuss your options. When it comes to dental implants, the first step is to consult with your dentist. After all, they are the experts on teeth!
During your consultation, your dentist will assess your situation and determine if dental implants are the right solution.
They will also ensure to answer any of your questions and help you decide if this treatment is proper for you. Once you have agreed to proceed with dental implants, the next step is to book an appointment with an implantologist.
- If you decide to proceed with dental implants, the next step is to have a CT scan of your mouth. This will significantly assist the dentist in determining the best placement for the implant.
When most people think of a CT scan, they envision a large machine that they have to lie inside while taking pictures of their insides. But did you know that dentists also use CT scans? So if you’re considering dental implants, the next step is to have a CT scan of your mouth.
This painless procedure will give your dentist detailed images of your teeth and jawbone, which is essential for planning your implant surgery. So ask your dentist for a CT scan – it just might be a reason to save you a lot of pain (and even money) in the long run.
- The third step is to have the implant placed in your jawbone. It is usually done under local anesthesia and is a relatively simple procedure. Once the implant is in place, you will need to wait for it to heal before moving on to the next step.
It’s essential to remember that not everyone has their implant placed in the exact location. For example, some people may have their implant placed in the front of their jaw, while others may have it in the back.
Even some people have implants placed in both the front and the back of their jaw! So, when it comes time to have your dental implant placed, be sure to ask your dentist what the best location would be for you.
- The fourth step is to have an abutment placed on the implant. This small connector piece helps secure the dental prosthetic to the implant.
The abutment is a small connector piece that helps hold the new tooth in place. It is make up of titanium, biocompatible with the human body. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and try to create a new tooth that looks and functions just like your natural teeth.
Sometimes, you may place a temporary tooth on the abutment while waiting for your permanent tooth to be make. However, the abutment will remain in place in most cases until your permanent tooth is ready to be place.
- The fifth step is to take an impression of your mouth. This will create a model of your mouth so that the dental prosthetic can be make. This helps the dentist to create a custom-fit dental prosthesis for you.
The impression is make by placing a moldable material inside your mouth and then allowing it to harden. Once the belief has set, it is remove from your mouth and use to create a model of your teeth. This model is then use to create a custom-fit dental prosthesis that will be place over your existing teeth.
In some cases, the dental prosthesis may be place directly on top of your existing teeth. In other cases, the dental prosthesis may be place underneath your existing teeth.
- The sixth step is to have the dental prosthetic created. This can be complete in a lab or using CAD/CAM technology. This is where you choose what your new tooth (or teeth) will look like.
You can opt for a traditional tooth-colored filling or something flashy, like a gold tooth. You can even get a tooth tattoo! Once you decide on the perfect look for your new smile, your dentist will create the dental prosthetic and attach it to the implant post.
- The seventh step is to place the dental prosthetic on the abutment. This is usually done with temporary cement to make any adjustments before it is permanent attach. After the abutment is place, you must wait around two weeks for the area to heal.
During this time, the bone and tissue will fuse around the abutment. Once the healing is complete, it’s time for the next step: placing the dental prosthetic. This can be from a single tooth to a full set of dentures.
Your dentist or oral surgeon can do this, a relatively simple procedure. Once the prosthetic is in place, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of your new dental implant.
- The eighth step is to check the fit of the dental prosthetic and make any necessary adjustments. This is where you’ll find out if your teeth are too big, too small, or just right. You may also discover that your gums are a little bit too pronounce.
But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix: add some extra gum tissue. After all, this is your smile, and you want it to be perfect. So take the time to get it right. And remember, if you don’t succeed at first, try again. Eventually, you’ll get it just right.
If there is any gap between the prosthetic and the gum line, the prosthetic will need to be adjust. In some cases, this may require trimming the prosthetic’s edges. Once the fit is satisfactory, the prosthetic can be glue or cement.
- The ninth step is to attach the dental prosthetic permanently. This is usually done with a strong adhesive, ensuring that the prosthetic will not lose, even when eating or drinking. First, however, it is necessary to look into whether this adhesive is not permanent and can be remove if necessary.
In addition, it is essential to avoid eating hard or sticky foods immediately after installation is essential, as this could damage the appliance. Your dental prosthetic should give you years of trouble-free use with proper care and maintenance.
- The tenth and final step is to schedule regular checkups with your dentist so that they can monitor the health of your mouth and ensure that the dental implant is functioning correctly. These appointments are typically schedule every six months but may be more or less frequent, depending on your individual needs.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dental implants will be a success. In addition, proper care and scheduled maintenance give you years of trouble-free use. If you have questions about the procedure or want to learn more about taking care of your new appliance, be sure to ask your dentist during your next appointment. Thanks for reading!
