The Steps in Getting Dental Implants

While a missing tooth might have an incredible story behind it that brings people back to their wild days, the aftermath is not nearly as glorious. Missing teeth can lead to sensitivity of the gums and discomfort while eating or brushing. Dental implants are used to help alleviate some of these uncomfortable symptoms. The implant itself is anchored into the patient's gums. It serves as an artificial root for the missing tooth, so a replacement tooth can be filled into the gap. The process itself is not as complicated or as painful as many people would think.

After the dentist has examined someone, he or she will determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. If so, the first step in the process is getting the artificial root in place. This can usually be done in the dentist's office or an outpatient clinic with the help of some Novocain or anesthesia (anesthesia is usually only given in an outpatient surgical clinic). The gum will be cut open so the dentist has easy access to the patient's jawbone. Holes will then be drilled into the jawbone, and the artificial root will be anchored into it. The number of holes drilled will depend upon the how many teeth the patient is having replaced and the integrity of their jawbone.

Nothing should be felt during the surgery itself, except for the shot of Novocain. The patient will be sent home with ice packs to reduce swelling and a prescription for some type of pain medicine to make him or her comfortable. The pain accompanied with this should be about the same as the pain accompanied with having a tooth cut out.

After this phase of the surgery, there is still a space where the tooth once was. Now comes a slight waiting game. The jawbone of the patient must grow into the artificial root and become fused with it. Only after this has happened can the permanent replacement tooth be filled into the hole. While a patient is waiting for the bone to grow back, a temporary replacement tooth that can be taken in and out may be given to the patient for the sake of appearances. Once fusion of the bone has occurred, the artificial tooth can be incorporated into the root. This is generally done with a screw or cement. After this step, the process of getting the dental implants is complete.

Many people have had to face the reality of a missing tooth. Whether it was knocked out during a boxing match or had to be removed due to decay or disease, the expert dentists that have devoted their life's work to performing this surgery can help. They believe that everyone should have a full, beautiful smile and should never have to worry about hiding it. Some patients may be nervous about having the procedure done. However, the benefits of having dental implants not only give the gift of a beautiful smile, but also add extra confidence and increase the patients' health and well-being.