If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for Dental implants. They are a popular choice for tooth replacement because they are strong and natural-looking. Plus, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. But you are probably wondering what the procedure is to get a dental implant. We got in touch with Dr.Aamir Budhani, an amazing dental implant dentist in Arlington, Tx to explain the entire procedure from the initial consultation to the final placement of the implant.
What Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are placed in the mouth to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. They are made of titanium which is a strong, biocompatible, and durable metal. It is surgically implanted into the jawbone by a dental surgeon.
Once in place, the implants fuse with the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth, a bridge, or a set of dentures.
Why Might You Need A Dental Implant?
There are many reasons why you might need a dental implant. Perhaps you have lost a tooth due to an accident, gum infection, or injury. Or maybe you have a tooth that is so badly decayed that it needs to be removed. Regardless of the reason, dental implants can provide a much-needed solution to recreate a healthy, natural-looking smile.
The Procedure For A Dental Implant
The procedure to get a dental implant starts with an initial consultation to get your teeth evaluated. This is important to find out if there is enough bone mass in the jawbone to support the implant. If you don’t have enough bone, the dentist may recommend undergoing bone graft surgery first to create a healthy bone mass in the area.
Once the dentist finds your teeth, gums, and jawbone healthy, surgery will be scheduled. It lasts only 30 minutes to an hour on average and you can go home right after. The entire surgery takes place with help of local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.
Once the anesthesia has kicked in, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum where the implant is placed. He will then drill a hole into your jawbone and place the implant in this hole. Much like a hole is made into the wall to attach a screw. The incision will be then closed with help of sutures and then allowed to heal. A temporary crown, denture, or bridge will be placed on top to fill in the gap.
The implant is then allowed to fuse with the bone over time, usually between 3- 6 months. This process is called osseointegration. The implant fuses with the bone area as new bone grows around it making the implant a part of the jawbone.
This strengthens the implant and keeps it firmly in pace for many years to come. Once the implant has fused with the bone, it is used as a natural tooth root and a dental prosthetic (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) can be attached on top of it to recreate a natural-looking tooth.
Your dentist will create a mold of the area and fabricate a crown, bridge, or denture that is customized with help of porcelain. It may take up to 2 weeks for the dental laboratories to fabricate this restoration. Once it is ready, your dentist will call you to the office and attach it to the implant with help of a connector called an abutment.
What To Expect After The Procedure
After the procedure is complete you will regain full mouth function with help of the new prosthetic teeth right away. While the implant itself lasts forever, the crown, bridge, or denture will have to be replaced every 10-15 years as they wear out to activities like biting and chewing.
You need to follow good oral care practices to ensure your gums around the implant stay healthy and are not susceptible to infection as that may damage the implant. If you notice any pain, bleeding, or discomfort, you must visit your dentist immediately for a checkup. It is also highly advisable to get a dental checkup at regular intervals to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape and the implant is not threatened by poor oral care habits.
While dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of teeth replacement, not everyone is a good candidate for a dental implant. So it is important to consult a qualified dental professional to see if you are a good candidate for a dental implant.
If you need to get a dental implant in Arlington, you can book a consultation with Dr. Aamir Budhani. He is a highly skilled dentist with several years of experience who has helped his patients regain their confidence and smile with help of dental implants. So call up his clinic or book an appointment through this website at the earliest to know more about dental implants.
