A dental implant is an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. Whether you have a lost or broken tooth or you have got a tooth extraction, a dental implant can be used to replace the extracted tooth. It can also be screwed into the jaw bone as an anchor to the crown or the permanent denture. 

Furthermore, dental implants can provide relief to people who do not wish to wear removable dentures or undergo any bridgework. Read on below to find out more about dental implants and the implant procedure. 

Table of Contents

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:

1. What are Dental Implants?
2. Step-by-Step Procedure
3. Is dental implant procedure painful?
4. Recovery

Take Away

1. Who Needs Dental Implant?

A person who complies with one or more of the following conditions needs a dental implant:

1. one or more missing teeth
2. cracked, chipped off, or damaged tooth
3. missing teeth due to periodontal disease
4. dentures that are loose-fitting or ill-fitting

Dental implants are a permanent solution for teeth restoration. These are stronger and more comfortable than dental bridges or dentures. A dental implant procedure is a safe procedure for someone who also has severely decayed teeth which have not yet been extracted. 

2. Dental Implant: Step-by-Step Procedure

The dental implant procedure steps are described as follows:

STEP 1: Tooth Removal

If the damaged or broken tooth is still present, the dentist will first extract the tooth. This step will not be done if the patient has a missing tooth. 

STEP 2: Preparation of the jawbone and grafting

This is  done for people who have low density jaw bones and require implants. Therefore, before an implant, they must undergo bone grafting, which can improve bone quality. During the preparation of the jawbone, a synthetic bone graft or a natural graft can be used for the jawbone grafting. 

This is usually done a couple of months before the actual dental implant surgery since the healing process takes some time. 

STEP 3: Placement of the dental implant

This is the actual implant procedure, wherein the dentist will first expose the jawbone by cutting the gums. They will then drill a hole into the jawbone and subsequently position the dental implant into the bone. This implant will act as the root of the tooth. 

STEP 4: Healing and Growth

The healing process begins as soon as the surgeon places the metal implant into the patient’s jawbone. It is during this process that the supporting bone begins to integrate with the metal implant. This process is also known as Osseointegration. It is important to note that the healing process takes a few months to complete. Furthermore, it also ensures that the base of the implant is strong enough to support a dental crown. 

STEP 5: Placement of the abutment and crown preparation

The surgeon will do a radio-imaging examination to see if the bone healing is completed. Once the healing of the implant is complete, the surgeon will then place an abutment on the implant post. This abutment will help to extend the implant above the gums, and will further allow for easy placement of the dental crown. 

STEP 6: Placement of the artificial tooth

After placing the abutment , it is time to take dental impressions and send them to the lab for preparation of dental crown. Once the dental crown is prepared, it is then placed on top of the abutment so that it restores tooth function as well as the natural appearance of the tooth.

STEP 7: Post-op Care

After the entire placement procedure is complete, the surgeon will prescribe medications for pain relief and faster healing. 

3. Is dental implant procedure painful?

Dental implant procedure is not painful as it is done under local anesthesia. However, after the dental implant surgery, the patient is likely to experience minor discomfort and pain after the anesthesia wears off. However, they must regularly take the medications recommended by the surgeon. The pain usually subsides in a week after the surgery. 

4. Recovery

After undergoing the dental implant procedure steps, the patient will experience some common discomforts after such a procedure. These include:

1. Pain
2. Swelling of the gums and face
3. Pain at the site of the implant
4. Bleeding

However, these discomforts are common and can be treated using antibiotics and medication. It is recommended that the patient must refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking during and after the surgery. This will also ensure quicker healing without any complications.

The recovery after every step in the dental implant procedure takes some time. Furthermore, it also depends on how you maintain your oral and physical health after the procedure. For a simple dental implant procedure with no bone grafting, you may recover within 7 to 10 days after the surgery. However, absolute recovery may take  6 to 7 months.

Additionally, it is also recommended that you consume soft foods for at least 6 weeks after the dental implant surgery. At the Ministry of Smile, you can get the best dental implant treatment and post-op care by experienced professionals at affordable costs.

Take away

In conclusion, dental implants are one of the best modern surgical methods to replace missing or broken teeth with durable and permanent results. Not only will dental implants restore your lost self-confidence, but they also help you maintain excellent oral health. Dental implant surgery is a relatively simple surgical procedure which can be easily managed and is worth the investment. It is also a game-changer for those who have teeth that are damaged beyond any scope to repair.