How is a dental implant placed?
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American Dental Association answered:Dental implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. There are three general phases of implant treatment:
1. Placement of the implant -- The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. There may be some swelling and/or tenderness after the surgery, so pain medication is usually prescribed to ease the discomfort. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
2. The healing process -- What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. This process is called osseointegration, meaning "combines with the bone." Osseointegration takes time. Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
3. Placement of the prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) -- For a single tooth implant, the dentist custom-makes a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. It is based on a size, shape, color and fit that will blend with your other teeth. Implant-supported bridges or dentures are also made to fit your mouth and your implants. Once completed, the man-made teeth are attached to the implant posts.
The prosthesis usually takes some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture. This can help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.Dental implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. There are three general phases of implant treatment: 1. Placement of the implant -- The dentist... More -
Dr. Jerry Gordon answered:To place a dental implant, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. In most cases, the procedure is well tolerated by the patient, and can be done while the patient is awake, or with light sedation. An incision is made into the gum to expose the underlying bone. The stent may be placed over the jaw to guide the implant placement. A series of drills in progressively widening diameters are used to create a hole in the bone. The implant is then placed into the hole so that the top of the implant is at or slightly above the crest (top) of the bone, where it meets the gum-line. A screw is then inserted into the implant to prevent the gum and other debris from entering the implant. The gum is then stitched up over the implant.
To place a dental implant, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. In most cases, the procedure is well tolerated by the patient, and can be done while the patient is awake, or with light sedation. An incision is made into the... More
