Categories: Oral Surgery

Step-by-step Guide to Dental Implant Placement from an Oral Surgeon

A dental implant procedure replaces tooth roots with metal posts and missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones. Dental implants provide support for your replacement teeth. The process is performed in stages and may require many dental visits. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you must learn more about the procedure.

What to expect

How the surgery is performed depends on a variety of factors including the condition of a patient’s jawbone and the type of implant. The process may involve many procedures and it takes months because of the healing time between them. Sometimes treatment can take a single day. Several important steps determine the success of the procedure.

Initial consultation

This is the first step of the procedure. The oral surgeon will examine the mouth of a patient and take X-rays or 3D images. This will help determine that a patient is in good health and to locate where the implant will be placed. The surgeon will then talk to a patient about the different implant options and develop a plan for the surgery.

Placement of the dental implant

The oral surgeon will surgically place the dental implant into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Not all patients have the same experience, but most people experience little discomfort and pain. If a patient has some swelling or tenderness after surgery, the oral surgeon may prescribe pain relief medicine to help ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter medications also manage any pain.

Osseointegration

As a patient heals, the jawbone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This process makes the implant strong and creates a solid foundation for the replacement tooth. It can take several months for the implant to integrate into the bone. Depending on the choice of a patient, the surgeon may place temporary replacement teeth.

Placement of the abutment

Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, an abutment, a small connector, is attached to the dental implant. The replacement tooth will eventually attach to it. Sometimes, the implant and the connector can be placed in one visit. This means a person would not need more surgery to place it.

Placement of the replacement tooth

If a patient is replacing a single tooth, the oral surgeon will custom-make an artificial tooth. This new tooth, also called a dental crown, will look like the other teeth. Dentures and implant-supported bridges are also custom-made to resemble natural teeth and to fit the mouth. The replacement tooth will be attached to the implant post.

Periodic checkups

The whole process can take several months. It depends on the type and the number of implants and replacement teeth a person will receive. A patient should visit an oral surgeon regularly for follow-up checkups. Periodic checkups can help ensure the long-term success of a dental implant. The surgeon may also suggest a home-care routine.

Contact your oral surgeon

The entire dental implant process usually takes a long time and involves many steps. A lot of time is devoted to healing and waiting for the jawbone to grow. Combining some steps is possible depending on the situation of an individual. Talk with your oral surgeon about dental implants. The surgeon can help you decide if they are good for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.northsideoms.com or call Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at (763) 284-3159 for an appointment in our Coon Rapids office.

Related Posts

What To Know Before Getting Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Getting wisdom teeth extractions can seem like a nerve-wracking experience, but the process is actually quite straightforward, especially if you prepare ahead of time! By taking a few small steps, you can simplify the extraction and the recovery afterward so you can move on with your life as soon as possible. Before your wisdom teeth…

How To Choose The Best Oral Surgeon For Your Needs

Searching for the most knowledgeable and skilled oral surgeon in your area can be challenging. But if you find the right dental care provider, you can achieve the enhancements that you want or need. Finding the right provider will need a little effort. Here are some tips you must consider for choosing the oral surgeon…

Understanding Oral Pathology: Key Insights For Patients

The American Dental Association defines oral pathology as a field of dentistry that deals with the illnesses of the mouth. Identifying and managing these diseases is crucial in achieving oral and general health. Understanding this type of pathology can prepare you for your treatment. Here are the key insights patients like you must consider about…

The Importance Of Getting Tooth Extractions From An Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, tooth extractions may be necessary to improve your oral health. This procedure is a type of oral surgery. That is why getting this procedure from an experienced dental professional is ideal. Here are the details about the importance of getting tooth extractions from an oral surgeon.An oral surgeon will perform a complete assessment of…

Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Share
Published by
Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Recent Posts

What to Know Before Getting Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Depending on the situation, a wisdom tooth extraction can involve removing all four wisdom teeth…

2 weeks ago

How to Choose the Best Oral Surgeon for Your Needs

The ideal oral surgeon must have extensive experience. This is how the provider uses the…

2 months ago

Understanding Oral Pathology: Key Insights for Patients

Oral pathology spots and treats diseases affecting the mouth and the areas surrounding it. This…

2 months ago

The Importance of Getting Tooth Extractions From an Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, tooth extractions may be necessary to improve your oral health. This procedure is a…

3 months ago

Maxillofacial Surgery for TMJ Disorders: Restoring Comfort and Function

TMJ disorders cause chronic pain and discomfort. Fortunately, an oral surgeon may perform maxillofacial surgery…

4 months ago

Consult an Implant Specialist to Enhance Your Smile

Seeing an implant specialist can give you a brand-new, natural-looking smile. Here are some questions…

5 months ago