Do Dental Implants Require Surgery?

Have you been thinking about getting dental implants? This is a good choice for people who are missing one tooth or multiple teeth. You should not have to go through life with gaps in your mouth, hampering your smile and ability to chew effectively. If you are interested in this treatment, talk to your dentist. Together, you can discuss the process and what to expect from this procedure. You should understand that getting implants does involve a series of invasive surgeries.

The benefits of dental implants

To treat tooth loss, patients have a variety of options. For many missing teeth or an entire mouth of missing teeth, dentures might make sense. Other people may choose bridges. Implants are a more durable, longer-lasting solution. Implants will not slip during eating or speaking like dentures tend to do. Also, implants provide a strong bite force, allowing the person to eat most foods. Plus, implants look natural, so it is almost impossible for someone to detect that the person has them instead of real teeth.

Assessing whether the patient is ready for implants

A consultation with the dentist, followed by an examination, should determine whether someone is a good candidate for dental implants. The dentist will check for bone growth, as the jaw must be healthy enough to provide a base for the implants. The dentist may need to perform a bone graft if there is not enough healthy bone. If the patient has severely decayed or damaged teeth, the dentist may extract them before starting the implant process.

The first surgery

The process begins with the dentist placing titanium posts in the jawbone. To do this, the patient receives a local anesthetic at the surgical site. Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist makes an incision in the gums. Then, the dentist inserts the screw-like posts deep into the bone. The dentist will then close the wound with stitches. It can take a few months for the person’s gums to heal and for the posts to fuse to the bone.

The second surgery

Another surgical procedure will occur once the dentist determines that the posts are firmly in place. After numbing the patient, the dentist once again cuts into the gums. This time, the tops of the posts will be exposed. The dentist then attaches smaller pieces, called abutments, to the posts. The dentist mends the incision site but leaves the tops of the abutments showing.

Finishing touches

After another healing period, the patient comes back to the office. This time, the process is less invasive. The dentist takes prefabricated crowns and attaches them to the abutments. The dentist ensures that the fit is comfortable and correct. There is also an assessment that the size, shape, and color of the crowns match any remaining natural teeth.

Worth the effort

Now that you understand more about what happens when getting dental implants, you may feel some anxiety. The process does take time and can cause some soreness and discomfort. However, you can be pleased with the results and have the smile you have always wanted. If you are concerned about these surgeries, talk to your dentist. The more you know about how the implant procedures work, the more at ease you can feel.

Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

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