Dental Implants — The Healing Process
Dental implants are an effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They restore a natural appearance, function and comfort. In addition, implants can help prevent the bone loss that can occur with tooth loss. Read on for more information, or visit smiles dentistry Toronto.
Implants Are Surgically Placed into the Jawbone
Your surgeon will carefully make small incisions in your gums to access the area where your implant will be placed. He will then place the implant and close your gums over it with stitches.
During the healing process, your gums may swell or bleed. In these situations, your doctor may use a special ointment to keep them from bleeding.
After the implant is placed, it needs time to heal and become stable in the bone. The procedure is called osseointegration, and it typically takes between six weeks to six months for the bone to attach to the implant.
When the implant is fully integrated, your dentist can place a crown, bridge or denture that fits over the top of the implant. The restoration can be matched to your other teeth or designed to blend in with your smile.
Sometimes, your doctor can place your implant and replacement tooth (like a crown or bridge) in one visit. Other times, it might take a few months for the implant to heal enough to place a replacement tooth safely.
Before surgery, your dentist will examine your mouth and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They will also check your medical history to ensure no issues could interfere with the implant procedure. They will also take a panoramic x-ray and possibly a 3D cone beam CT to determine the health of your bone, nerves and sinuses.
If there is a lack of bone in certain areas, your doctor will need to perform a bone graft before placing the implants. This can be done with a synthetic bone-grafting material or a natural bone from another area in your body.
Your doctor will then recommend the correct type of graft for your situation. Whether you need a natural or synthetic graft will depend on the amount of bone available and your oral health goals.
Once you have a graft, your doctor will need to heal the graft with special care and antibiotics. This can take four to six months, so it is vital to have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to monitor your healing progress.
Next, your doctor will install an abutment on the implant and connect it to the replacement tooth (like a crown or bridge). This minor surgery requires local anesthesia and is performed during an outpatient procedure.
During this phase of the healing process, your doctor will also provide you with a temporary tooth restoration so you can enjoy a regular diet and oral hygiene routine while your implants heal. You can choose to wear your temporary restoration or leave it at home.
After your implant surgery, you will need to continue to brush and floss regularly. This is recommended to maintain optimal oral health and reduce the risk of infection. It is also essential to keep regular visits with your doctor and dentist for routine cleanings, dental exams and screening tests.