How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are your best option if you’re looking for the closest restoration to your real teeth. Dental implants offer excellent stability, strength, comfort, and a natural-looking appearance compared to alternative replacement restorations like dentures and bridges. In this article, let’s learn how dental implants are placed and how to speed up recovery.

How do Dental Implants Work?

Traditional dental implant treatment comprises three main components: the implant post, the abutment, and the prosthetic. The implant posts are often titanium posts implanted in the jawbone to serve as artificial roots. The abutment is attached to the implant post and serves as a connector or platform for the prosthetic. Lastly, the prosthetic serves as the artificial tooth that gives the implant the aesthetics of a natural tooth. The prosthetic is often a dental crown but can also be a bridge or denture.

Dental Implant Procedure

If you’re interested in dental implants, below is a typical procedure of what to expect:

• Consultation

You should begin by scheduling a consultation with our dentist in San Jose, CA. During the appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly and take X-rays or scans to determine whether you’re eligible for a dental implant.

Factors that can affect your eligibility for implants include the number of missing teeth, general oral and overall health, oral hygiene practices, lifestyle habits like smoking, and the health of your jawbone.

After establishing your eligibility, the dentist will discuss any further details, including the costs and treatment plan. Ask the dentist any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.

• Tooth extraction or bone grafting

If your natural tooth isn’t yet extracted, the dentist must extract it to prepare for the dental implant. You wait several weeks for the gums and bone to heal to get the Implant. Sometimes, the dentist can place the implant on the same day the tooth is extracted. It is called immediate dental implant placement.

If you’ve lost significant jawbone density, the dentist can recommend a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the bone to create a strong foundation for the dental implant. The procedure involves placing new bone tissues in the jawbone to stimulate new bone growth. The bone can take about 3 – 6 months to heal completely before placing the implant.

• Placing the implant post

The dentist or surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissues to access the jawbone. Then, they will drill and place the implant post into the jawbone and the area closed with stitches for faster healing.

After placing the implant, the jawbone begins to heal around it. This process, called osseointegration, helps create a stable foundation for the final prosthetic. Complete healing can take about 3 – 6 months.

• Placing the abutment

Once osseointegration is complete, the dentist will invite you for abutment installation. The dentist will make a small incision through the gums to access the implant and place the abutment. The dentist will take the necessary impressions to prepare for the final restoration. The gums take about two weeks to heal before placing the final prosthetic.

• Placing the Final Prosthetic

The final step of the dental implant treatment is attaching the prosthetic (crown) to the abutment. The dentist can cement or screw the prosthetic and make necessary adjustments for a perfect fit or bite alignment.

Dental Implants Aftercare

Below are effective tips for caring for dental implants and maintaining optimal oral health:

Immediate Care

• Take enough rest. Avoid strenuous activities for about 72 hours.
• Do not eat until the anesthesia wears off completely.
• Eat a soft diet like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and avocado. Avoid hard, chewy, spicy, and hot food and beverages for at least 72 hours.
• Avoid disturbing the implant.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol use for at least 72 hours.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Avoid brushing close to the implant site.
• Rinse regularly with salt water after 24 hours.

Long-term Care

• Brush twice daily for about two minutes.
• Floss daily.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Avoid abrasive dental products.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Attend follow-up appointments.
• Avoid damaging habits like chewing pens or grinding teeth.
• Get a mouthguard for bruxism and high-impact activities.

Contact Neeshat S. Khan, DDS, for Dental Implants near You

Are you interested in dental implants? Or would you like to learn more about dental implants near you? Contact our dentist at 95129 to book your appointment today.