The process of getting dental implants takes several months and the period that needs to pass between the extraction of the tooth to be replaced by the implant and the time when the implanting process can start will also add about six months to the complete duration of the process.
The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
A dental implant is a complete, artificial tooth made from a strong, durable and lightweight material, such as titanium alloys. The solution is usually recommended for patients who have undergone tooth extraction that has healed well and whose jawbone has rebuilt on its own or who can be a good candidate for bone replacement and who prefer a dental replacement solution that is more stable and more attractive than dental bridges. Dental implants are also the solution for situations in which the lack of natural tooth roots makes it impossible to attach dental bridges to existing teeth.
Implants practically consist of a metal post that is surgically placed into the jaw of the patient, either under local anaesthesia, in the dentist’s office or in general anesthesia, but only after the patient’s jaw has healed after the extraction. After extraction, the surface of the gum recovers relatively quickly, but the jawbone underneath can take 6 months or longer to recover. In most cases, the oral surgeon or implant specialist who will perform the implanting procedure will perform a CT scan of the jawbone to confirm that the density of the bone is suitable for applying the implant. If the CT scan confirms suitability, the metal post is introduced into the jawbone; if the bone has not recovered properly, the specialist might recommend a procedure called grafting to strengthen and prepare the jawbone to hold and to accept the implant.
After the intervention of mounting the post, the patient must wait for another 3-6 months before the next step – the body needs to accept the post and the gum needs to grow around it. When the specialist considers that the surgical area has recovered sufficiently, the next phase is the placement of the abutment, the piece of the implant on which the visible part of the implant, the final crown will be placed. The mounting of the abutment is also followed by a period of healing, after which the crown is made and installed.
It is recommended that you find the most reputable dental implants Colorado Springs oral surgeon possible for this highly technical procedure.
The Durability of Dental Implants
With proper, thorough oral hygiene, dental implants are very durable solutions, for many patients being lifelong solutions. In some cases, the jawbone into which the implant is installed might weaken due to issues related to bone density and as a result, the jaw might become unable to lock the implant sufficiently. In these cases, the implant can be removed, the jawbone can be strengthened with various methods and the process of installing a new implant can start. However, such cases are very rare and they are usually caused by an underlying condition that the patient suffers from – most patients willing to undertake the long process of getting the implant are very happy with the results and they never have any problems related to their implants.