What’s Involved in a Dental Implant Procedure

If you’ve been involved in an accident or mishap and have lost a tooth, a dental implant may be the perfect solution for you. Unlike dentures, dental implants are replacement teeth that are actually implanted into the bone. As time passes, the bone grows around the implant. The result is a permanent replacement tooth.

Although there are several steps involved in getting a dental implant, and it takes some time for the whole process to be completed, many people prefer implants because they not only look like your regular teeth, but feel that way as well.

There are three steps involved in a dental implant procedure:

1. The implant post is inserted into the bone, in the same location as the missing tooth. This surgical procedure is often done by an oral surgeon. The patient is typically prescribed pain medication and asked to follow a special diet during the healing process.

2. The bone begins to grow around the implanted post. While healing times vary greatly depending on the patient, this healing stage usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to as long as a few months. In the interim, your dentist might provide you with a temporary crown or denture.

3. The artificial tooth is affixed to the implanted post. This step is relatively quick and can easily be done in your dentist’s office.

While there’s no doubt that dental implants to have their advantages, they’re not for everyone. You should talk to your dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a dental implant.

Source: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Implants.ashx