How you prepare
The dental implant planning process may involve a variety of specialists, including a doctor who specializes in the condition of the mouth, jaw, and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist such as Dr. Acton at Cary Family Dental who specializes in treating the structures that support the teeth. such as gums and bones (periodontium). a dentist who designs and installs artificial teeth (prosthetist), or sometimes an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT). Because dental implants require one or more surgeries, you should be carefully examined to prepare for the process, including:
- A complete dental examination. You may need to take X-rays of your teeth and 3D images and make models of your teeth and jaws.
- Review your medical history. Tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to prevent infection.
- Treatment plan. Depending on your situation, this plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need to replace and the condition of the jaw and other teeth. To control pain, options for anesthesia during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you. Your dental team will teach you to eat and drink before surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you have. If you have sedation or general anesthesia, plan for someone to take you home after surgery and expect a break for the rest of the day.
What You Can Expect
Dental implantation is usually an outpatient operation that is performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of dental implant placement involves several steps, including:
- removal of the damaged tooth • preparation of the jawbone (transplant), if necessary
- placement of a dental implant
- one growth and healing
- placement of plaque
- placement of an artificial tooth
The process can take several months. Most of this time is devoted to healing and waiting for new bone to grow in your jaw. Depending on your situation, the specific procedure, or the materials used, some steps can sometimes be combined.
Contact Cary Family Dental to discuss your tooth surgery:
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