In our previous blog we covered the indications and dental implants procedure. The following to continue presenting dental implants information to help patients with decision making.
Dental Implant Surgery and Bone Grafting
The current jawbone site for your implant may not be thick enough or it could be too soft. Because your jaw creates so much pressure while chewing, the bone needs to be extra strong to handle both the chewing and protecting of the dental implant once it’s been surgically added to the gum line.
Depending on the structure of your jawbone, you may need a little extra bone added to give the implant site a more solid foundation. This is done through a process called bone grafting, a procedure in which a small bit of bone is transplanted to help solidify the implant base within the jawbone. This bone transplant typically comes from another area in the upper or lower jawbone away from the dental implant area, but it could also potentially come from another part of the body. The condition of your jaw determines whether you’ll need to have the bone heal first or whether the extra bone structure can be added at the same time as the implant (which would be the ideal situation in terms of time).
While the implant heals, you’ll be given a temporary denture to keep the appearance of a full tooth. The denture will be removable and should be kept clean at all times. During this time, osseointegration will be occurring. Osseointegration is when the bone begins growing into and uniting with the surface of the implant, making it a part of the natural gum line. The process can take anywhere from three to nine months and will operate the way the roots of a natural tooth would.
Placing the Abutment
When the healing and osseointegration processes are complete, the abutment is installed. An abutment is a piece that screws into the dental implant and to which the artificial tooth will attach later. This is a minor outpatient procedure and will most likely be done under local anaesthesia. The abutment can be attached to the implant during the initial implantation phase, but many people don’t care for the visibility of the post and thus elect for a second procedure to install it later.
To place the abutment, the oral surgeon will reopen your gums so that the dental implant is exposed. Once exposed, the abutment is attached to the dental implant. The gum tissue is then closed back around the abutment and left to heal for one to two weeks.
Choosing Your New Artificial Teeth
Once your gums have healed, more impressions will be made of your mouth and the remaining teeth so they can be used to make the artificial tooth, or crown, for your dental implant. There are two main types of artificial teeth you’ll be able to choose from — a removable implant prosthesis or a fixed implant prosthesis.
Going the removable route is similar to a removable denture mounted on a metal frame that snaps securely onto the implant abutment.This is a great choice because it can be removed easily for cleaning or replacing, especially when several teeth have been removed and required dental implant replacements. It’s also a more secure and affordable option.
If you choose to get a fixed implant, understand that the tooth cannot be removed for cleaning or easy replacement. It’s either permanently screwed on to the abutment or cemented down. Should you have several teeth that require implants and money isn’t a concern, you can have all of them replaced in this manner with each crown attached to its own separate dental implant.
After Surgery
Discomfort is natural and normal after dental implant surgery. Here’s what you can expect:
- Swelling of the face and gums
- Bruising of the gums or skin
- Pain at the site of your implant surgery
- Minor bleeding
If any of these symptoms get worse several days after the surgery, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately because they may indicate larger issues that need to be addressed by a professional. To help you heal post-surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon may advise a post-surgery diet of soft foods, compressing ice packs (to help the swelling) and patience while the surgical site heals.
While the majority of dental implants are routine procedures and the majority of dental implant surgeries are successful, there may be complications, including issues with the bone fusing to the implant. This can usually be prevented by doing the following things:
- Avoid using tobacco products — they can stain your teeth and may increase infections.
- Practise proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
- Attend regular dental office visits and examinations to stay on top of your oral health.
- Avoid bad oral habits, like chewing on ice or hard sweets — these can damage both your real teeth and implants.
If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about dental implant surgery…read more
