Dental Implant Timeline and Expectations
Dental implant procedures require surgery and hence, there are steps to be undertaken by your specialist. Find out what you should be expecting in the coming 3 to 9 months.
Evaluation
This is the first step. Certainly, the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone have to be assessed to find out if these oral structures can maintain the implant. It must be ascertained that you don’t have periodontal disease and there is no bone brittleness. The extent of the procedure will also be determined by how many teeth are to be replaced. As an outpatient procedure, you may undergo local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.
Implant Placement
For an endosteal implant, your dentist will expose the jawbone by cutting the gum tissue and drilling a hole for the implant to be inserted. A temporary denture can be placed on top until the permanent crown is ready. Now for subperiosteal implant, no drilling is required as the implant post will be placed on or above the bone. While both procedures can make you experience swelling and discomfort for several days, you are able to return to normal activities a day after the implant placement.
Osseointegration
This is the process where the implant integrates with the bones of the jaw. The bone grows around the implant post, strengthening and securing the hold. This can last from 2 to 6 months which is the time new bone growth is completed.
Abutment placement
An abutment is a metal extender that connects the replacement crown to the implant. It is typically adjusted to the head of the root implant and which can be done during the implant placement process. Otherwise, it can be a second procedure, under anesthesia. Your dentist will make an incision on the gum that has grown over the implant top. A healing cap has actually been placed over the implant as a protection and deterrence to tissue growing over it. The cap will be removed so that the abutment can be screwed to the implant. After being set in place and during the next few months of healing, gum tissue will grow and contour itself around the abutment.
Crown Placement
This is your next dentist appointment once the healing period is done. The dentist takes an impression of your oral cavity which will help determine the shape of your replacement crown that will fit to the abutment. This can either be your choice of a fixed crown or a removable one. If fixed, the crown is permanently cemented or screwed on. If removable, the crown is put on a metal frame and attached to the abutment for easy removal and cleaning.
Dentist Visitations
Inform your dentist if you are feeling discomfort or pain after the process, if there is bleeding, swelling, or an uncomfortable bite. Have regular dental checkups while you are going about routine dental hygiene care.
SourceLearning More About Dental Implants in Federal Way
If you are opting for a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, come visit our Federal way dentist at West Campus Dental for more information.
