Scheduling a consultation with your dentist first
Once you decide on dental implants to replace your lost or broken teeth, you need to set an initial consultation with your dentist or get a referral to your oral surgeon. The first thing you will want to consider is what type of dental implants you need. At the Cary Family Dental, we have performed many dental implants, and are proud that we have a high success rate. The different types include:
Endosteal implants: These implants are installed directly into your jaw. After the tissue heals, you will need to schedule additional visits to attach the implant post before you finally place the dental crown onto the pin.
Subperiosteal implants: This type of implant is designed with metal posts that fit your jaw. During the healing process, the post fuses with your jawbone, after which the dental crown can be attached to it.
Your dentist will take an X-ray or use a 3-D image of your mouth, and then make an impression that will be used to place a dental implant. Additionally, they will be able to tell if your jaw is strong enough to hold up to the implant. If not, the possibility of bone graft can be discussed.
Removing a damaged tooth before your dental implant
If you want to replace a tooth that is currently damaged, you will need to remove that tooth first. This is also a surgical procedure that will require at least local anesthesia and several hours or days of healing.
Bone grafting before your dental implant
If your jawbone is not strong enough or doesn’t have the amount of bone needed to withstand an implant, your dentist will remove a small amount of bone matter from another location and add it to your jaw in preparation for the implant, or synthetic bone grafting material can be used instead. Once the bone graft is in place, it will take several months to a year for it to heal and be ready for the implant procedure. And in some cases, if you need a little bone graft, the procedure can be combined with an implant.
At Cary Family Dental in Cary, NC we offer dental implants. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Allan Acton today.
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