People love dental implants, and you likely know several people who have them. A dental implant is not only an attractive option for missing teeth, but it also promotes several dental health goals that preserve everything from your facial bone structure to your general health. You have many choices in implants but there are two main ways to go about the procedure. Read on and find out about the traditional way and the quick way to have dental implants done.
The Traditional Way
This manner of surgically implanting a post and crown has been around for a surprisingly long time. However, the ways dentists go about things have improved over time. Most of the improvements have to do with imaging your teeth. To have an implant fit and last a long time, your dentist will need to evaluate your bone density and create a plan of action based on the results. Here is how the traditional implant method works:
- The patient's mouth is analyzed, and impressions are created for the new crown.
- Anesthesia for the procedure is decided upon.
- On the day of the surgery, small titanium posts are surgically inserted using a tiny incision.
- The dentist may close the area with a suture.
- The patient waits a few weeks for the inflammation from the surgery to reduce and then returns for the second part of the implant procedure. It is expected that the post has bonded with the jawbone during this waiting period.
- The dentist will add a small piece to the top of the post called an abutment and top that with your new tooth, a crown.
- The tooth should match your other teeth and look natural.
This type of implant is secured to your jawbone and should last many years.
The Quick Way
Some people may qualify for a faster process, depending on several factors. You may hear this implant referred to as same-day implants because two appointments are combined into one. You should have healthy teeth on either side of the implant so that they can help support the tooth while it bonds to your jawbone, and you must still have an appointment for the imaging and to have impressions made. Anesthesia must also be discussed ahead of the appointment. Here is how the accelerated process works:
- The post is inserted and is topped with an abutment and a crown.
- The crown is then wired to the teeth on either side for support temporarily.
- After a few months, the wires are removed.
Speak to your dentist about dental implants to learn more.
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