Dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and work much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can be a helpful choice when dentures or bridgework fit poorly. This surgery also can be an option when there aren't enough natural teeth roots to support dentures or build bridgework tooth replacements.

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone and serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise or cause bone damage like fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can't decay like your own teeth. Dental implants may be right for you if you: Have one or more missing teeth. Have a jawbone that's reached full growth. Have enough bone to secure the implants or can have a bone graft. Have healthy tissues in your mouth. Don't have health conditions that can affect bone healing. Aren't able or willing to wear dentures. Want to improve your speech. Are willing to commit several months to the process. Don't smoke tobacco.

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. These risks are small, and they're usually minor and easily treated when they occur. Risks include: Infection at the implant site. Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels. Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin. Sinus problems, if dental implants placed in the upper jaw poke into one of your sinus cavities.

The planning process for dental implants may involve various specialists, including: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who is a healthcare professional specializing in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face. A periodontist, who is a dentist specializing in treating structures that support the teeth, such as gums and bones. A prosthodontist, who is a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, to prepare for the process you'll likely receive a: Full dental exam. You may have dental X-rays and 3D images taken. Also, models may be made of your teeth and jaw. Review of your medical history. Tell your healthcare professional about any medical conditions and any medicines that you take, including prescription medicines, medicines available without a prescription and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or bone or joint implants, your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection. Treatment plan. This plan is made just for you. It considers how many teeth need to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth. To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery may include: Local anesthesia, in which the area that's worked on is numbed. Sedation, which helps you feel calm or less anxious. General anesthesia, in which you are in a sleeplike state. Talk with your dental specialist about which option is best for you. Depending on what type of anesthesia you have, you may need to limit what you eat or drink before surgery. If you're having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery. Also, expect to rest through the end of the day.

Dental implant surgery usually is an outpatient surgery done in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves several steps: Remove damaged tooth. Prepare jawbone, also called grafting, when needed. Place dental implant. Allow for bone growth and healing. Place abutment. Place artificial tooth. The whole process can take many months from start to finish. Much of that time is for healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Depending on your situation, the specific procedure done and the materials used, certain steps can sometimes be combined.