An implant dentist uses artificial tooth roots to anchor a restoration for a lost tooth or teeth. By replacing the lost tooth roots, dental implants provide you the strength and stability needed to chew food and perform other oral functions. Also, they help to stimulate and preserve jawbone structure, stopping bone loss, and maintaining facial features.
To know whether implants are suitable for a patient, a consultation with an implant dentist is required. During the appointment, the dental professional will carefully examine the teeth and gums, as well as the density and quality of the jawbone. The evaluation is necessary to know whether there is enough bone structure to hold the implants or if there are preexisting health conditions that can compromise the implants. Any underlying oral health problem needs to be corrected before the procedure.
The dental implant restoration consists of a titanium metal screw (artificial tooth root) and a crown. A small hole is drilled into the gap left by the tooth to guide the artificial root into the jawbone. To prevent damage to the jaw and facial structure, the implant dentist needs to use their skills and expertise when creating the pilot hole. In most cases, dentists use surgical guides produced using CT scans in order to place the implant posts.
After drilling the initial pilot hole, the dentist will gradually widen it to allow the placement of the prosthetic tooth root. Afterward, the surrounding gum tissue is stitched over the implant, and a protective screw is placed on top to guide the healing process and allow osseointegration. It takes about six months for the bone to integrate with the dental implants.
After osseointegration, the dentist will uncover the implant and connect it to the abutment (the part that connects the crown and the implant). Sometimes, the abutment can be attached during the placement of the implant. Once the abutment is in place, the dentist will take impressions to fabricate the crown.
Recovery after getting the artificial tooth root depends on different factors, including the preliminary procedures that were done to complete the procedure. However, after placing the implants, patients need to maintain proper oral hygiene habits to ensure proper fusion with the bone structure. Poor oral hygiene habits can cause a failure of the treatment. Infection may set in if the implant and the surrounding areas are not cared for. Smoking is another factor that contributes to implant failure and should be avoided after implant placement.
After the placement of the implants, patients may experience minimal discomfort. Gum and facial swelling may also occur, as well as minor bleeding and bruising around the implant area. The dentist may prescribe pain relievers to alleviate any pain or discomfort. For about a week after the procedure, patients should limit their diet to soft foods.
After an implant dentist places an artificial tooth root, healing may take about six months. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are necessary to keep track of your healing progress.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mfgrassodds.com or call Michael F. Grasso DDS at (636) 777-7700 for an appointment in our Chesterfield office.
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