In modern dentistry, dental implants are the most realistic tooth replacement option. A dental implant is made up of three parts (implant rod, abutment, and restoration crown) and functions and looks like a natural tooth, allowing you to regain confidence in your smile.
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, it is critical to understand the various stages of healing, which can take six to twelve months.
Dental implant stages
Stage 1: Prior to Implant Placement
Your Dentist Chapel Hill evaluates your mouth and jawbone health during your consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. If they discover that your jawbone density or thickness is insufficient, they may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift surgery.
Although the initial stage of healing after a bone graft can take as little as two weeks, full healing can take up to nine months. Your dentist will schedule your implant procedure once the bone graft has completely fused with the jawbone.
If you have a badly damaged tooth that must be pulled and replaced with an implant, the area may need to recover for up to ten weeks before the implant can be placed. Your dentist may be able to insert the implant immediately away in some circumstances. This is true only if you have sufficient bone density beneath the injured tooth.
Stage 2: Following Implant Post Placement
Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone before inserting the implant. The titanium post is then screwed into a small hole in the bone. The gums are then sutured and gauze packed.
Following implant post placement, there are two stages of recovery. First, the surgical site must heal, which can take up to two weeks. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, such as sleeping with your head elevated, changing your diet, and using a saltwater rinse, can help you recover faster.
Osseointegration is the next stage of healing. When the implant post fuses with your jawbone, this is referred to as osseointegration. This establishes a firm foundation for the abutment and restoration. Depending on your immune system and the number of implants you received, this stage can last anywhere from eight weeks to nine months.
While your implant site heals, it is critical to maintaining a thorough oral health routine. Brush and floss at least twice a day, but avoid brushing directly over the surgical site to avoid irritation and bleeding. Keeping your mouth clean lowers your chances of implant rejection and infections such as peri-implantitis.
Stage 3: Putting the Abutment in Place
After the implant has fused with your jaw, you will return to the dentist for minor surgery to place the abutment. The abutment is the piece of hardware that connects the implant post to the dental restoration.
During this procedure, the dentist will open the gum tissue to expose the implant post. They close the gum tissue around the implant but not over it after placing the abutment.
Healing time can range between two weeks and a month.. Following the procedure, you may experience mild swelling and discomfort. To reduce inflammation, take OTC pain relievers and apply ice packs to the side of your face.
Stage 4: Install the Restoration
You return to your dentist to receive your dental restoration once your gums have healed around the abutment placement. During this appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth around the implant site and the abutment to ensure that the dental restoration is a perfect match for your natural teeth. The crown is made in an offsite laboratory and takes about two weeks to complete. Following this time, the dentist will attach the prosthesis to the dental implant rod by placing it on the abutment. You leave the appointment with a complete, lovely smile.
Smile With Confidence
Although the dental implant procedure is time-consuming, the benefits are enormous. You regain normal chewing and speaking abilities while also supporting the health of your jawbone. Contact Goodridge Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill NC today if you are considering replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants.