Dental implants provide a more permanent and stable solution for people with missing teeth than dentures, which can slip and be uncomfortable. Do you know how dentists affix them to the gums, though? Below is the step-by-step process of the dental implant procedure.

Initial Consultation

You must set up an initial consultation with a licensed dental professional before the implant procedure. The dentist will check your teeth and gums to determine if dental implants suit you. Additionally, he/she will go over the implant process and respond to any queries you may have.

Preparation

The dentist will carry out some procedures to prepare your mouth for the implants, if they are the best option for you. Bone grafting, a method to fortify your jawbone to ensure it can support the implants, may be a part of this preparation. The dentist will also take impressions of your teeth and gums to create custom implants.

Implant Placement

After the preliminary procedures, the dentist will insert the dental implant into your jawbone. The implant resembles a small screw and acts as the artificial tooth’s root. The dentist will cut your gum to expose the bone, then drill a small hole to place the implant.

Abutment Placement

After placing the implant, the dentist will attach the abutment to it. This abutment will secure the artificial tooth since it serves as a connector. Your dentist will reopen the gum tissue to expose the implant and attach the abutment.

Impression Taking

The dentist will take another impression of your teeth and gums to ensure the artificial tooth fits perfectly. He/she will send this impression to a lab, where an expert will make the artificial tooth.

Positioning of Artificial Teeth

The dentist will join the artificial tooth to the abutment and make any alterations necessary. That will ensure the tooth matches the other teeth in your mouth and fits comfortably.

Follow-up Consultations

You must schedule follow-up dental appointments after the implant procedure. Your dentist will examine the implant, abutment, and prosthetic tooth to ensure everything operates as it should and that the gum tissue is healing properly.

Recovery Process

It takes a while for the gum tissue to heal and fuse with the implant. This fusing process, known as osseointegration, can take three to six months. It is crucial to avoid applying pressure to the implant during this time and to adhere to the dentist’s care recommendations.

Extended Maintenance

The dental implant needs ongoing care and upkeep to ensure that it lasts a lifetime after healing. That entails routine tooth brushing, flossing, and dental examinations to keep an eye on the condition of the implant and gums.

Conclusion

Dental implants offer people with missing teeth a stable and long-lasting solution. Adhering to the dentist’s care instructions is best to ensure the implant’s long-term success. Dental implants can offer a lifetime of healthy, natural-looking teeth with the proper maintenance.

For more dental care tips, visit bty DENTAL at one of our Anchorage, Alaska, offices. Call (907) 333-6666 to schedule an appointment today.