What To Expect On The Implant Journey

A dental implant procedure is mostly recommended by Teach Dental Group to patients who have lost one or more of their teeth. Patients who seek a permanent restorative procedure can explore the wide range of advantages offered by dental implants. The journey, however, varies from one patient to another. Dentists often have to carry out tests and examinations to determine whether a patient is eligible for the procedure. In some cases, patients may need to undergo additional procedures to prepare them for dental implants. 

If you have lost one or more of your teeth due to oral diseases, age, genetics, physical impact, or other reasons, a dental implant procedure may be the best restorative solution for your needs. While you prepare to visit your dentist for the procedure, knowing what to expect is essential. This article will take you through the steps required on your journey to getting dental implants.  

Step One – Book A Consultation Meeting 

The very first step on your journey to getting dental implants is to book a consultation meeting with your dentist. Visiting your dentist will expose you to all of the information that you need to know about restorative dentistry and the options that are available to you. Your dentist, during this consultation, can also answer all of the questions you have regarding the procedure as well as the cause of your tooth loss. As part of the consultation booking process, you may need to scout for new and experienced dentists in your area. This is essential if you do not have a dentist already.

During the consultation meeting, the dentist may need to carry out some examinations using an intraoral camera or CBCT scanner. Conventional x-rays may also be conducted on the patient’s mouth. The results of the examinations will be used to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. In the event that you have lost your jawbone or that it has shrunk, the dentist may recommend preliminary procedures like bone grafts. A 3D image of your smile may also be taken to plan the treatment.

Step Two – Individualized Treatment Plan

With the information collected during the examination, the dentist will determine what is to be done. This result will also be used to develop an individualized plan to address your smile needs. The dentist may need to treat oral health issues first – especially if tooth loss was due to periodontal disease. Patients with a healthy mouth may, however, be moved straight to the process.

Please note that the treatment plan drafted by the dentist is expected to take into consideration the uniqueness of the patient’s mouth and oral health needs. While you are being prepared for the procedure, the dentist will also educate you on the dos and don’ts of the procedure ahead of the treatment date. The bespoke treatment plan will also contain a breakdown of the costs associated with the procedure. This can help you to plan your finances ahead.

Step Three – Treatment Phase

After going through the treatment plans and the cost of the procedure, you can then choose to begin the dental implant procedure. The beginning of the procedure may involve some preparatory treatments, especially if you require multiple implant placements. Nervous patients may get anti-anxiety medication to help them cope with the associated anxiety.

Once the preparatory stage has been completed, the dentist then places the screw-like implant into the jawbone of the affected area. Once placed, the gum around the area is closed up. The procedure can be carried out on a dental chair, in a dental office, and with sedation to numb the pain.

Step Four – Healing 

After the implant has been added on, the patient is allowed to heal. The healing period will depend on a lot of factors including how fast the patient heals. Healing can take between six weeks and six months. The healing process will ensure the proper fusion of the implant and the jaw bone – a process known as osseointegration. Depending on the material used, healing may also be complete in as little as eight weeks.

Step Five – Final Dentist Appointment 

Once the healing is completed and the implant has fused with the jawbone, the dentist can then develop the prosthetic component which can be a bridge or crown to be fitted. The replacement teeth will be developed using state-of-the-art software and made to look like the natural teeth in the mouth. This ensures that the implanted teeth do not stand out from others while also offering a similar level of bite force and support. The dentist will also offer aftercare advice to the patient to ensure that they get the best out of their teeth.