What Is Dental Implant Surgery

 

 

What Is Dental Implant Surgery

 

 

 

 

A dental implant is a metal post that

replaces the root portion of a missing tooth.

An artificial tooth (crown) is placed

on an extension of the post (abutment)

on the dental implant, giving you the look of

a real tooth.

 

 

 

 

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that

replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike

posts and replaces damaged or missing

teeth with artificial teeth that look and

function much like real ones.

Dental implant surgery can offer a

welcome alternative to dentures or

bridgework that doesn't fit well.

How dental implant surgery is performed

depends on the type of implant and

the condition of your jawbone.

Dental implant surgery may involve several

procedures. The major benefit of

implants is solid support for your new teeth

— a process that requires the bone to heal

tightly around the implant. Because this

healing requires time, the process can take

many months.

 

 

 

 

Why it's done

 

Dental implants are surgically placed

in your jawbone, where they serve as

the roots of missing teeth. Because the

titanium in the implants fuses with your

jawbone, the implants won't slip,

make noise or cause bone damage

the way that fixed bridgework or dentures

might. And the materials can't decay like

your own teeth that support regular

bridgework can.

 

In general, dental implants may be right

for you if you:

 

 

 

 

- Have one or more missing teeth

 

- Have a jawbone that's reached full growth

 

- Have adequate bone to secure the implants

or are able to have a bone graft

 

- Have healthy oral tissues

 

- Don't have health conditions that will

affect bone healing

 

- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures

 

- Want to improve your speech

 

- Are willing to commit several months

to the process

 

 

Risks

 

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery

poses some health risks. Problems are rare,

though, and when they do occur they're

usually minor and easily treated.

Risks include:

- Infection at the implant site

 

- Injury or damage to surrounding structures,

such as other teeth or blood vessels

 

- Nerve damage, which can cause pain,

numbness or tingling in your natural teeth,

gums, lips or chin

 

- Sinus problems, when dental implants

placed in the upper jaw protrude into one

of your sinus cavities

 

 

 

 

How you prepare

 

 

Because dental implants require one or

more surgical procedures,

you must have a thorough evaluation to

prepare for the process, including a:

 

Comprehensive dental exam.

You may have dental X-rays and 3D-CT

taken and models made of your teeth and

mouth.

 

Treatment plan. We check out your bone

condition through the 3D-CT and

do the simulation before the actual surgery.

Tailored to your situation, this plan takes

into account factors such as how many teeth

you need to have replaced and the condition

of your jawbone.

 

 

 

 

You need to tell us about any medical

conditions and any medications you take,

including prescription and over-the-counter

drugs and supplements. If you have certain

heart conditions or orthopedic implants,

we may prescribe antibiotics before

surgery to help prevent infection.

 

To control pain, anesthesia options during

surgery include local anesthesia,

or sedation. Talk to our dental specialist

about which option is best for you.

Your dental care team will instruct

you about eating and drinking before

surgery, depending on what type of

anesthesia you have.

 

 

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"Patient safety is always
a top priority"
-S-PLANT DentalClinic-