Dental Implant Procedure
June 3rd, 2008
The dental implant procedure is a step by step process used to place dental implants. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
A natural tooth has a crown - the part which shows above the gumline, and a root - the anchor hidden below the gumline.
When a tooth is missing, a dental implant takes the place of the missing root and a prosthetic crown replaces the natural crown.
Dental implant procedure is a process of surgically placing implant in your jaw bone while under anesthesia. It is a very time consuming procedure when having many dental implants placed. As this implant procedure is surgical, it is very important to research and find a well credited dentist (dental surgeon) that you are comfortable with. For some people there are varying degrees discomfort or pain, which subsides in a couple of days.
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Dental implant procedure offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, dental implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness.
Dental Implant Procedure Explanation
The first step in the decision for dental implants is to make an appointment with a qualified dentist for an evaluation. He or she will examine your mouth and teeth and take a thorough medical and dental history. You’ll receive X-rays and possibly a CT scan, which will give the dentist a good idea of your bone density and the shape of your jaw.
Traditional dental implant procedure require two surgeries. The first surgery prepares the jawbone for the implant by placing a titanium pivot in the bone; the second surgery actually screws the dental restoration to the pivot. After surgery, there is a The healing process of three to six months. This is the amount of time it usually takes the dental implant to become part of the lower jaw, commonly refered to as osseointegration. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as osseointegration.
At the end of the dental implant procedure, when the final shape and size has been achieved, dental implant is slowly screwed into the osteotomy and the gum tissues are sutured back together. The bone surrounding dental implant is alive and if left alone, will usually grow onto the surface of the dental implant.
One Time Dental Implant Procedure
Recently, an alternative to the two-step method has been developed that allows you to have the dental implant installed in one whole piece in one single session at your dentist. This new method has simplified the dental implant procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.
Dentists trained to perform implants, crowns and/or surgery have begun to use a new strategy for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants are placed into locations where teeth have recently been extracted. When successful, this new strategy can shed months off of the treatment time associated with dental implants because osseointegration is sped up. Candidacy for this type of early intervention is dependant upon anatomical factors of the extracted tooth site.
Risks of Dental Implant Procedure
The risks of dental implant procedures are usually the result of dental negligence. If your dentist does not allow the bone and gum to heal they will not “take”. If you go in with an abscessed or infected tooth and your dentist pulls the tooth and does not wait for the infection to go away, he will push the bacteria into the jaw bone. There have been cases where this has happened and the jaw becomes so infected that it needs to be taken out. This is called osteomyelitis of the jaw and is a horrendous result of an implant surgery gone wrong.
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders – such as diabetes or heart disease – or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
Dental Implant Procedure Cost
Dental implant procedure can be very costly. An entire team of professionals is often needed to deliver a long-lasting smile. Implant procedures demand a great deal of the doctor’s and staff’s time and effort. The prosthodontist intensely studies your health profile, and then develops a plan to meet your unique needs. Additionally, surgical staff and the laboratory perform several services to produce the desired result. The materials used to construct implant prosthodontics are also very expensive. Bone grafting, if needed, is additionally costly.
In general, implants are not covered by dental insurance at this time. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and your insurance provider.
The cost of a single dental implant, and the prosthetic (false) tooth which is fitted on the implant, ranges from $2,900-$3,600. This method of restoring a missing tooth is very beneficial because it spares the teeth on either side of the empty space from having to be specially sanded/filed, which is a mandatory process when a dentist makes a “bridge” to restore the empty space. In addition, bridges often cause the gums around them to “recede” and require having to be remade every 10-15 years… not so with dental implants.
You may significantly save on dental implants procedure by traveling abroad for dental treatment. Find your best dental tourism destination.
Categories: Jaw and Bones, Teeth
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