Dental implants provide an alternative to dentures and dental bridges when it comes to replacing missing teeth. The process involves fusing titanium posts, which act as tooth roots, to the jaw and placing an artificial tooth to the abutment that is attached to the post. The implants hold the artificial teeth in place and also stimulate bone growth in the jaw.
The answer to this question depends on if the patient is getting regular dental implants or mini dental implants.
If the patient is getting regular dental implants, the entire process takes months to complete. After the patient’s mouth has been examined by their oral surgeon and the oral surgeon determines there is sufficient bone density to hold the implant in place and the patient’s gums are healthy enough for the procedure, the oral surgeon will proceed with the surgery.
The first step in the dental implant surgery procedure is to fuse the titanium post to the jaw, which means the surgeon will cut open the patient’s gums and drill holes in the jawbone where the implant will be placed. After the implant has been placed in the jawbone, the patient has to wait until the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant, which can take several months.
Once the bone has grown around the implant to hold it in place and the gums are healed, the surgeon will place an abutment, the piece where the crown will eventually attach, on the implant. If surgery is needed to place the abutment, the patient will have to wait for a few weeks for the gums to heal. After the gum heals, the artificial tooth will then be attached to the abutment to complete the process.
Mini dental implants are typically used when the patient does not have the bone density to support a regular implant. The implants have the same structure as dental implants but are slightly smaller and do not require extensive surgery. Instead of the titanium post being fused to the jawbone, the mini dental implants are placed in the lower jaw with the help of diagnostic imaging tools, which help the surgeon mark the proper locations for the implants.
Once the surgeon has marked the proper locations for the mini implants, they will use a drill to create small holes in the tissue before inserting the implants and holding them in place with drivers and wrenches. After the mini implants have been placed, the surgeon will then fit the dentures with metal housings, allowing it to snap onto the head of the implants, holding the dentures securely in place. Since the dentures used on mini dental implants are attached to the implants before they are fused to the jaw, the patient does not have to go back to the oral surgeon after the procedure is over to get the teeth attached to the implants
Getting an artificial tooth attached to a dental implant can be done before the implant is fused to the jaw or months after, depending on the type of dental implant your oral surgeon uses to replace your missing teeth. If you are interested in getting dental implants, schedule an appointment with your oral surgeon to determine which type is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Implant crowns are a long-term solution to tooth loss that are easy to care for, but the process of receiving the new and beautiful replacement teeth is not always pleasant. To make the aftercare process following the placement procedure go as smoothly as possible, it is helpful to learn some aftercare tips from a dental…
A broken tooth can be the result of many things, such as getting hit in the face while playing a contact sport. The severity of a broken tooth determines if it counts as a dental emergency. Minor breaks that only affect the outer layer of a tooth can wait a few weeks for treatment, but…
Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces, except clear braces have either tooth-colored or clear brackets. These brackets are made out of ceramic or another similar material. Because the brackets and wires blend in with your teeth, this type of braces offers a nearly unnoticeable solution for straightening your teeth, no matter what…
Dental bonding and teeth whitening are common dental procedures that improve the appearance of your smile. However, some patients are concerned that their teeth may not have the same shade after teeth whitening, particularly if they have had dental bonding on one or more teeth. This review helps patients deal with this concern. Understanding the difference…
Tired of a broken tooth ruining your smile? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to…
With clear braces, patients should avoid certain foods that can stain or cause the braces…
The dentist can fix a range of concerns with dental bonding, including most minor instances…
Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…
A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement,…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…