Prior to having the dental implant procedure done, you need to make sure that you understand what it is and how it is accomplished through the stages. Dental implants are used to replace your tooth’s root, and this means that the implant itself must be strong and able to be accepted by your body.
Once the root is placed directly into your jawbone, you will receive a crown that is placed on top and this crown can be placed immediately or a few weeks after the surgical procedure is completed. At C.S. Family Dental, we do offer immediate dental implants and Dr. Sohn would love to speak with you about them.
Dental implant systems are unique and are customized to meet your needs. The posts themselves, or the artificial roots, will be made from either a titanium alloy or pure titanium. This is because titanium is known to fuse well with your bone and the process is almost guaranteed to be successful. The process of the bone fusing to the artificial root is called osseo-integration and must occur for the dental implants to be completely successful. For the implants to adhere best, the root will need to be made with a spiral fashion or will need to be roughened on the surface.
Patients often identify an artificial root with a screw since they look similar and this worries them that the process will be painful. This is not the case and the process is tolerable and comes with minimal discomfort. Let’s take a look below at the steps in the process to help you better understand what to expect.
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Pre-Surgery Steps and What You Can Expect
While dental implant surgery is not as complicated as it may sound, it is vital that you work with an experienced Denver dentist to ensure the best results. Dr. Sohn will work closely with you to take x-rays, CT scans, and also create a surgical guide to ensure that your bite will be in the proper place. The surgical guide is a necessary step in the process and will ensure that all implants are placed correctly.
It is natural for you to experience some anxiety about the upcoming procedure, but you should speak with Dr. Sohn about your anxiety. The procedure may scare you and this is natural since you have likely never undergone it before. Typically, local anesthesia is used to numb the mouth, and this is often enough for most patients, but if you would like to discuss sedation options, talk to Dr. Sohn today.
The Surgery Itself
One of the most important steps in the process is site preparation. If site preparation is not performed, then the dental implants may not be successful. You will undergo a process known as an osteotomy and this is when the holes are drilled into yourjawbone. For this to happen, Dr. Sohn will make small incisions on your gums to open them up. These incisions are often called flaps as they allow your gums to be opened up to see the bone underneath.
Dr. Sohn will place the surgical guide into your mouth and the osteotomy sites will be created using and following the guide. The drilling will continue until a hole is created that mirrors what is on the guide itself. It is possible for the procedure to be completed without cutting the gums open, but it is highly recommended to ensure the best possible outcome.
The drilling process is very important and needed for successful implants. Since there is living bone tissue in your mouth, it is vital that you work with an experienced Denver dentist. Living tissues should be handled with care and Dr. Sohn will run cold water on them to prevent overheating. In addition, he will place light pressure on the tissues. Any tissues that are damaged can lead to bone loss.
The drilling process is typically quick, but you may experience some mild vibrations, but they are considered tolerable and not painful. Once the holes are drilled, sterile implants are placed into the holes. Since the implants are sterile, they go straight from the package into your mouth. When Dr. Sohn is done with the procedure, he will take x-rays to make sure that the implants are in the proper place. Your gums will then be stitched with self-absorbing sutures.
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Post-Surgery and What You Can Expect
Since the tissues inside of your mouth are sensitive, it is possible that you will experience some discomfort once the surgery has been completed. Each situation is unique and different from the next patient, so if you have any questions or concerns, you should speak with Dr. Sohn immediately to address them.
Dr. Sohn will likely recommend that you take over the counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol or Ibuprofen to keep discomfort and swelling minimal. Dr. Sohn may also prescribe you an opioid prescription such as codeine or hydrocodone to manage pain in some cases. You will likely receive antibiotics too to ensure healing and to prevent infection.
In many cases, the post-surgical phase is very successful and there are normally no problems experienced in many patients. Many patients will find that the entire process is smooth and easy without any problems. If you would like to learn more about dental implant surgery, now is the time to call C.S. Family Dental in Denver, CO to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sohn.
