Dental Implants – What You Need to Know
A dental implant is an artificial replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is made of titanium or another material that won’t cause an allergic reaction with the surrounding tissue. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it bonds with the bone through a process called osseointegration. A connector post, called an abutment, is attached to the top of the implant to hold the replacement tooth or teeth. 대구임플란트
The first step in getting an implant is for a dentist to examine the patient and determine if they’re a good candidate for the procedure. The patient should be in general good health, with no untreated medical conditions that would interfere with healing after surgery. Patients should also stop using tobacco products, which slows the healing process.
Before the dental implant is put in place, anesthesia will be used to make the area numb. If the patient is undergoing sedation, they should arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home afterward. A list of medications and supplements taken should be provided to the dentist, as some can interact with anesthesia or slow the healing process.
If the dentist determines that the patient is a good candidate, they’ll create a treatment plan. Typically, this involves a team of specialists, including a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the mouth and jaw bones (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist who focuses on the structures that support the teeth and gums (periodontist) and a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist).
The planning stage may involve taking X-rays or 3D images and making models of the mouth and jaw to help plan where the implants should go.
The surgery to place an implant can be done at the dentist’s office under local anesthesia or in a hospital under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes two or three hours, but patients will need to stay for a few hours afterward to allow the site to heal.
After the site has healed, a small connector post — the abutment — is attached to the implant, and a new replacement tooth, or teeth, are placed on the abutment. In some cases, the abutment is covered by a crown that looks like a natural tooth. 대구 임플란트 잘하는 치과
The success of an implant depends on the amount of bone that remains in the area where the new tooth will be placed, the quality of the dental work and maintenance by the patient afterward. Keeping the mouth and gums clean and free of infections is crucial to keeping the implant healthy, and patients should visit the dentist for regular cleanings and exams.
If a patient experiences any problems with the implant, such as pain or swelling, they should call their dentist immediately to be assessed and treated. They can also report any issues to the FDA’s MedWatch safety information and adverse event reporting program.