Why is this procedure done?
A dental implant is a metal device that is most often titanium. It is placed in or on your jawbone during a surgery. The implant can support and hold a false tooth in place. Dental implants will last a long time if cared for properly. ‚
Your dentist may suggest a dental implant to replace one or more of your missing natural teeth. Dental implants may hold a single tooth, a bridge, or dentures. This is based on your needs. ‚
Your dental implant may be placed: ‚
- In your jawbone. This is an endosteal implant. It is shaped like a screw. This is the most common kind of implant.
- On your jawbone. This is a subperiosteal implant. It is under your gum tissue. A small metal post may show through your gum. This is most often used for people who cannot use regular dentures. You may also have this kind of implant if you do not have enough bone to support an implant in your jawbone.
What will the results be?
Dental implants may help you eat the foods you enjoy. You may have more confidence and chewing may be easier. Your false teeth may feel more like your own teeth with dental implants. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history and do an exam.
- Other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth, may be ordered. Your dentist may make a mold of your mouth.
- Talk to your dentist about :
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any other allergies, like metal allergies.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
- Your dentist may give you drugs before and after the dental implant surgery to prevent infection, pain, or swelling.
- Your dentist will decide how many appointments you may need for your dental implant procedure. Some people need surgery on their sinuses or a bone graft before having a dental implant.
- Most often, you will need 3 or more visits to complete your dental implant procedure.
- Each visit may take 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your dentist will numb your jaw. Then the dentist will make a small cut in your gum to see the jawbone. Next the dentist drills a hole in the bone and puts the implant in the hole.
- You will need to wait for your body to heal and the implant to fuse to your jawbone. Talk with your dentist about how long this will take.
- During your next visit, your dentist will uncover the implant and put on an extension. This is called a healing collar and lets your gums heal around the implant. You wear the healing collar while your crown, bridge, or denture is being made.
- Your dentist will make a mold of your mouth in order to make your crown, bridge, or denture. This will be done when your mouth has had enough time to heal.
- The dentist will put the new crown, bridge, or denture on the implant.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after your dental implant procedure.
- You may feel some pain afterwards.
- Your dentist will recommend regular dental check-ups to make sure your implant remains healthy for your lifetime. You may need to have regular x-rays of your mouth during these visits.
- Some routine maintenance may be needed over the years for your dental implant parts.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Pain or sensitivity
- Allergic reaction to the implant material
- Appearance of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line
- Infection around the healing implant
- Implant failure
- Implant becomes loose
- Need for replacement of implant parts. This is most often not needed until after years of use.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Periodontology ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/2m.htm ‚
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ‚
http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/Implants ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚