Losing teeth can have a big effect on your quality of life by changing how you look, talk, and chew. Dental implants are a long-lasting way to fix your smile that looks natural. Here are the steps you need to take to get tooth implants from a dentist in Farragut.
The initial considerations and laying the groundwork.
The first step is an appointment with your dentist. They will look at your oral health, talk to you about your dental goals, and decide if you are a good fit for implants.
To check the mass and shape of your jawbone, X-rays or 3D scans may be used. This first appointment is very important for getting to know the procedure and talking about any worries you may have.
The foundations are prepared during the pre-implant procedures.
In some cases, preparation procedures may be needed to make sure that the implant is placed correctly. Some of these are:
- Tooth extraction: Any teeth that are broken or decayed will need to be taken out before the implant can be put in.
- Bone grafting: For those whose jawbone is not dense enough to support the implants, a bone graft operation can be used to make the bone stronger. The spot needs to have bone tissue added to it. This bone tissue can come from your own body or from synthetic materials.
The implant is placed through a surgical procedure.
When you are ready, the surgery to put in the implants can be set up. To make sure you are comfortable, the process is usually done with local anesthesia or sedation.
To put in the titanium implants, your dentist will carefully drill holes in your jawbone and make small cuts in your gums. Over time, the implants fuse with your jawbone to act as real tooth roots.
Healing and osseointegration is a period of patience.
For osseointegration to happen, there needs to be a healing time after surgery. This is the process by which the implant joins with the bone around it, making the foundation strong.
The time it takes to heal depends on a lot of different things, but it usually takes a few months. To avoid getting an infection and speed up the healing process, it is important to follow your dentist’s advice for good dental care during this time.
Next is the abutment placement.
The next step is to connect the foundation to the implant after osseointegration is complete. The abutment is a small piece that sticks out from the gum line and holds the final restoration in place. This process is generally quick and does not hurt.
The final restoration helps you customize your smile.
Making and fitting the custom-made restoration is the last step in the implant process. This could be a single crown, a bridge to replace several teeth, or a full set of dentures.
To make sure the crown fits perfectly and looks natural, your dentist will make molds of your teeth and gums. The restoration is then made in a dental lab and connected to the abutments firmly.
Aftercare and maintenance to preserve your investment.
Once you have your new smile, it is important to keep up with good oral hygiene to make sure your implants last as long as possible. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and making sure you get regular checkups with your dentist. If you follow these tips, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful, healthy smile for many years to come.
Remember that the process of getting an implant is a team effort between you and your dentist. You can reach a good result and regain your confidence if you work together. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, do not wait to talk to a skilled dentist about your choices.