Oral Surgery for Dental Implants

Dental implants, placed through oral surgery, are a type of dental restoration made to serve as a supporting base for replacement teeth that appear, feel, and operate much like real teeth. Patients who have successfully received dental implants can eat almost anything again, knowing that their teeth will look natural and their facial features will not appear sunken. Patients who get dental implants can confidently smile without worrying about their teeth falling out.

An overview of oral surgery for dental implants

The root of the lost tooth is replaced by metal screw-like posts during the oral surgery required for placing dental implants. These posts are inserted into the jawbone and serve as a firm foundation for one or more artificial teeth. The implant is then linked to little posts, called abutments, that protrude through the gums. These posts serve as reliable anchoring for prosthetic teeth. Depending on the type of implant and the quality of the patient's jawbone, this operation can be completed in multiple phases.

The oral surgery process for dental implants

In most cases, dental implant installation entails two phases. Implants are first implanted into the jawbone. The implants lie underneath the surface of the gums for the first three to six months after surgery, slowly integrating with the jawbone. During this period, patients should wear temporary prosthetics and be restricted to a diet of soft foods. The dentist will work on developing new replacement teeth during that time.

The second phase occurs once the implant has fused to the jawbone. The dentist will expose the implants and attach the abutments. These posts will be hidden after the prosthetic teeth are installed. It normally takes six to eight months to complete the process.

Some patients will not have adequate jawbone for the dental implant procedure. Patients with specific medical needs and those who require substantial bone grafting from the jaw, hip, or tibia should have a discussion prior to the treatment so they can make necessary arrangements. Bone grafting typically extends the treatment timeline.

The types of tooth-replacement prosthetics

One lost tooth is replaced with a single prosthesis (crown), with each prosthetic tooth attached to its implant. A fixed bridge can replace two or more teeth with only two or three implants. A fixed bridge replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. The number of implants required varies depending on whether a detachable or fixed prosthesis is preferred. A detachable prosthesis is connected to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent, and only a dentist can remove it.

The bottom line

If you are thinking about undergoing oral surgery for dental implants, your mouth will be thoroughly evaluated by the dentist, as well as your medical and dental history. In addition, if you do not have adequate jawbone to support dental implants, procedures like bone grafting may be suggested to improve the results.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

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