Dental Implant Procedure
Dentist Portland, OR
 When you get tooth implants, you will fundamentally be replacing the roots of your teeth with posts made of metal or ceramic. The dental posts resemble screws, which are placed into the jawbone and covered with artificial teeth. The implants will eventually function and look like real teeth. There are several general steps in the dental implant procedure. At Portland City Dental, we ensure that our patients know what to expect at every step of the way.
Initial Evaluation
First, you will have a thorough dental examination with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine what's going on with your jawbone and the best course of action for placing dental implants. The initial examination will include X-rays, impressions, and shade matching to ensure that dental implants look completely natural. At this point, the patient decides how many teeth will be replaced with implants. At this point, all pre-existing conditions and current medications are discussed.
Tooth Extraction
When a person reaches this point, it usually means that a tooth needs to be extracted and replaced. Before any dental work can be done in this case, the teeth must be extracted. This procedure can be performed concurrently with implant placement. A tooth extraction should not take long unless the tooth is broken. Dry socket can be avoided by not smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw immediately after an extraction.
Dental Implant Placement
In this case, there are two distinct implant options for tooth replacement. Depending on the patient's preference, the implant can be placed in the jawbone or the gums. If the patient already has a healthy, robust jawbone, a bone graft may not be required. To withstand the significant force involved in most cases, a strong jaw is required. If there is insufficient bone in the jaw, bone grafting is performed. The graft bone is typically taken from a location distant from the implant site. The process, however, cannot proceed until the injured area from the tooth extraction has recovered.
Placement of Abutments
Once your implant has healed sufficiently, your dentist will attach an abutment to the top of it. With this piece, the implant can now be attached to your dental crown. Due to the abutment extending above the gum line, it is sometimes possible to place it alongside the implant. A healing cap, which the dentist will place, will protect the abutment from tissue and bone growth.
Fitting a Lasting Crown
Once the gums have healed, your dentist will create an artificial tooth or crown. You can choose between a permanent and a removable implant. If you are having multiple teeth added to the back of your mouth, you may want the removable option so you can clean and replace them as needed, similar to removable dentures. A fixed implant cannot be removed for maintenance or replacement. It is permanently screwed or cemented into the abutment.
The dental implant procedure can be straightforward, but depending on the nature of the case, there might be variations to the process. Regardless of the details, a patient needs a skilled and experienced dentist at their side. Call Portland City Dental at (503) 256-7917 and we will help out. |
