Dental implants can enhance your quality of life when you have missing or impacted teeth. They restore your dazzling smile and renew your confidence because they look and function like your natural teeth. Many people with missing teeth could benefit from dental implants in Louisville. Besides helping you regain confidence and a smile, dental implants also have multiple health benefits. They promote jawbone growth, make it easier to clean your teeth, reduce tooth decay, and help maintain your facial structure.
Let’s explore dental implants and their stages:
Before dental implant procedures, your dentist will explain the stages in detail. Please ask for clarification if you have any queries about preparation requirements, aftercare guidelines, or recovery timelines. Because some dental implant stages involve surgery, a complete understanding of the procedure can help you recover faster and allow you to develop habits that keep your dental implants clean and intact, increasing their lifespan.
-
Initial consultation:
Before scheduling your first surgery, your dentist will arrange an initial consultation to examine your oral health using X-rays. The dentist will check if you qualify for dental implants and review your oral history, any medications you may be taking, your medical history, and any previous surgeries you may have had. They will also determine if you have any medical conditions that may affect dental implant procedures, such as a clotting disorder, type 1 diabetes, or other immune diseases.
-
Treatment planning:
Treatment planning is one of the most vital steps in all stages of dental implants. It may be taken now if you have not already had bone density associated with a CT scan. The CT scan acts as a template during implant surgery, guiding the dentist to the perfect position for placement. At this stage, you may also have impressions made of your mouth to provide temporary dentures to replace your missing teeth until your dental implant procedure is completed.
-
Tooth extraction:
Depending on tooth location and type, your tooth extraction may prolong your procedure. To extract a tooth, your dentist uses an elevator to wiggle it until it loosens, then uses forceps to remove it.
-
Bone grafting:
If the jawbone cannot support dental implants, bone grafting may be necessary; the dentist can transplant natural or synthetic bone into the jawbone. This procedure promotes bone tissue growth to support the implants. Bone grafts have high success rates.
-
Dental implant surgery:
Once you have completed any necessary medical procedures, your dentist schedules your dental implant surgery. You will have IV sedation or local anesthesia to make the process more comfortable. The length of surgery depends on the number of dental implants you require, and it usually takes one or two hours per tooth implant. For two weeks following dental implant surgery, you must rest, avoid hard foods, and refrain from smoking. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully, and contact them if you experience vomiting, a high fever, or intense comfort.
-
Placing your artificial tooth:
The last of the dental implant stages is fitting your crown; the dentist customizes a dental crown using 3D imaging or X-rays. The dental crown is milled on-site using CREC technology from a single block of solid ceramic zirconia. If you have been wearing a temporary dental crown in place, your dentist will fit it and hook it to your abutment. They will check with you to ensure you are happy with the feel and look.
In conclusion, preparing for dental implant surgery is essential for a successful outcome. Remember to consult with an experienced implant Louisville dentist and follow their guidance throughout the journey, ensuring a healthy, confident smile for years.