Dental implants are a lifesaver for people who have lost a tooth due to an accident or disease. These implants offer a foundation for artificial teeth, mimicking the look of natural teeth. In short, it offers a permanent solution, unlike dentures or bridges, which may not always provide the best fit or stability. But how do dental implants work? This question lingers in the minds of everyone who wants to try this procedure to enhance their smile.
But first, discuss what dental implants are. These are frames or metal posts placed into your jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, your dentist can attach replacement teeth or bridges to them. The main advantage of implants is that they work like natural teeth, providing a secure and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are anchored into the jawbone, helping maintain bone density and offering a stable, comfortable fit. This results in a functional and realistic-looking replacement tooth.
Now it is time to answer the question How do full mouth dental implants work? Let’s understand the answer together!
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are among the viable options for many individuals with missing teeth. They are typically considered when:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- Your jawbone has finished growing.
- You have enough bone to support the implant, or you are a candidate for a bone graft.
- You have healthy oral tissues.
- You don’t have any medical conditions that could affect bone healing.
- You are not interested in wearing dentures.
- You want to brush up on your speech.
- You are willing to commit multiple months to the process.
For most patients, one day dental implants work perfectly because they are an ideal choice if you have been unable to wear dentures due to poor fit or discomfort. Additionally, implants don’t decay, unlike natural teeth, which means you won’t have to worry about cavities affecting your new teeth.
Step-by-Step Guide On How Do Dental Implants Work
The process of getting dental implants is typically done in stages. Depending on the condition of your jawbone, this can take several months. Here is a breakdown of the steps involved:
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
Before any surgery, you’ll have a consultation with a team of specialists, which may include an oral surgeon, a periodontist, and a prosthodontist. During this stage, your dental professional will conduct a detailed examination, which may include dental X-rays, 3D imaging, and creating models of your teeth and jaw.
The dental team will also review your medical history to make sure you are fit for surgery. If necessary, a treatment plan for screwless dental implants works, including the number of teeth to be replaced, your jawbone’s condition, and other factors.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If you have a damaged tooth, the first step is to remove it. Your dentist may determine to remove the tooth before placing the implant or might place the implant immediately following the extraction, depending on the situation.
Step 3: Bone Grafting (If Needed)
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft to support an implant, you may need bone grafting. Bone grafts use bone from another part of your body, synthetic materials, or a donor source to rebuild the jawbone. This step may take several months to heal and solidify the grafted bone before the implant can be placed.
Step 4: Placing the Implant
Once your jawbone is prepared, the next step is to surgically place the implant into your jaw. During the procedure, a cut is made in your gum to expose the bone, and a small hole is drilled where the implant post will be inserted. The post acts as the root for the artificial tooth. If you’re wondering what are dental implants made of, most are crafted from titanium or zirconium oxide. While other materials exist, titanium is often preferred for its durability, proven success rates, and cost efficiency.
At this stage, the implant post is left to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, allowing the bone to grow and integrate with the implant. During this period, a temporary tooth may be placed to help maintain the appearance of your smile.
Step 5: Placing the Abutment
After the implant has fused with the bone, the next step is to place an abutment, which is a connector that will hold the artificial tooth in place. The abutment/support is then attached to the implant post, and your gum tissue is closed around it, leaving the top of the abutment exposed.
This procedure may be done in a single visit, or it may require a second minor surgery, depending on your specific needs. The area is left to heal for a couple of weeks before the final tooth is placed.
Step 6: Attaching the Artificial Tooth
Once your gums have fully healed, your dentist will take impressions of/shape of your mouth to create the custom artificial tooth or crown. The artificial tooth/post is then attached to the abutment, completing the restoration process. Depending on the type of dental implants, the tooth may be removable or fixed permanently in place.
The final result is a highly productive and aesthetically pleasing replacement tooth that blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Step 7. After the procedure
After the dental implant surgical process, you may experience some discomfort, such as:
- Swelling in the gums and face
- Bruising on the skin and gums
- Pain at the implant site
- Minor bleeding
You might need pain relievers or antibiotics. If any of these issues get worse after surgery, contact your surgeon. After each surgery stage, you may need to eat soft foods to help the area heal. Your surgeon will likely use dissolvable stitches, but if they don’t dissolve, they will be removed at follow-up visits.
Bottom Line
We have tried to answer all the questions related to how dental implants work. In just a few steps, a dental implant will be fitted into your mouth, enhancing your overall appearance. While the process can take several months, the results are worth the wait. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, giving you the confidence to smile, eat, and speak without hesitation.
People are skeptical when finding a reliable dentist for dental implants. Pinnacle Dentistry makes it easy for you. You will get affordable plans and painless procedures to fix your missing or crooked teeth from skilled dental professionals. Our dentist in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas knows how to enhance your smile and make it sparkle for a long time. In short, we are your ultimate savior to restore your smile and confidence with a specialized procedure.
Call Pinnacle Dentistry at 719-590-7100 or book an online appointment and get a smile makeover in a few steps!
