What are Dental Implants, Procedures and Recovery?
When many dental patients hear the words dental implants, they become concerned. These restorative devices should not be so scary. Prosthodontists use them to support dental health and people's ability to chew, communicate, and enjoy life.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been used for thousands of years, according to history. The ancient Egyptians and Mayans apparently made false teeth out of bone and wood. George Washington wore teeth made of wood.
Thankfully, technology has evolved to the point that we no longer need to rely on these materials. Today's dental implants are typically made of titanium. They are surgically implanted into the jaw to take the place of teeth and their roots. Furthermore, implants do much more than merely replace missing tooth structures. They also help in the support of the teeth that surround it. They are implanted into the jaw and support various other dental prosthetic devices such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implant Procedure
Before an implant treatment, dental patients may notice that there is a lot of preparation. The exact placement, shape, and structure of the jaw and mouth must be determined by the oral surgeon. For example, depending on where the implant will be placed in the future, he may need to determine the proximity to the sinus cavity or the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the jaw. Aside from the standard dental X-rays, CT scans of the area may also be necessary. It is critical to know the exact form of the jaw and the amount of bone that can support the implants in order to avoid difficulties and to prepare an implant that will fit perfectly in place.
The oral surgeon can begin the procedure once the planning is complete. It is essential to make an incision into the gums over the place where the implant will be inserted.
The implant is placed without the use of any additional permanent adornment. It must be given time to allow the natural bone to grow over it and firmly set it in place. A prosthodontist will then place crowns or other prostheses over the implant.
Dental Implant Recovery
There is great debate on the appropriate amount of recovery time required to let the implant heal properly before placing a prosthesis on it. The general practice is to wait two to four months before adding the stress of a prosthesis, or four to six months if bone grafting is involved.
In very specific cases, a temporary prosthesis can be inserted on the same day as the implant placement, possibly if certain clinical criteria are met.
Implants have a high success rate in general, though this depends on the type of treatment required and the surgeon's expertise doing the procedure. As a result, selecting the right dental surgeon to do the procedure is crucial.
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