Missing teeth are no longer a permanent problem, thanks to dental implants. They might look simple, but getting dental implants is more than just replacing a missing tooth with titanium screws. Before rushing to your dentist to solve your problem, take a look at the important elements of this life-changing dental procedure.
Consultation
A dental implant procedure begins with a consultation, just like other treatments administered by dentists at Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas. You will have to consult a general practitioner, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist to have your teeth and gums examined. The dentist will evaluate the present condition of your teeth using X-rays and computer tomography scans to see if dental implants are the best solution for you. Because not all people have the same problems with their teeth, your dentist will have to create a dental implant treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Process
There are two basic steps that implant dentists must observe. The first step is preparing the jaw for implantation, which entails drilling a small hole on the jawbone. In most cases, dentists use surgical guides based on the results of the CT scans to avoid damaging the patient’s jawbone.
The next step will be the placement of implant screws for osseointegration or the process in which bone matter surrounds the screws and secures them in place. This can take three to six months depending on the condition of gum tissues. Once the gums and jawbone have healed, the dentist can attach temporary crowns, followed by permanent crowns after a few months.
Contraindication
Patients should understand that dental implants are not the solution to all types of missing teeth problems. It may not be a good option to consider for people suffering from serious medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, cancer, bone diseases, and others. A responsible Las Vegas dentist like Dr. Ghodsi will usually advise patients suffering from mental disorders or awaiting an organ transplant to forgo the treatment. For younger patients, dental implants can only be possible if their jawbone has stopped growing.
Recovery
Take note that recovery from dental implant procedures depends on two factors: how well the procedure went and how careful the patient is during recovery. Some of the best dental implant procedures usually take six months or even more. In most cases, the patient is monitored by his or her dentist and similar professionals in other cities through a series of checkups after the procedure to detect or prevent any complications.
If you are considering dental implants, book your consultation with Dr. Ghodsi to find what your options are. If dental implants are the best solution for you, then Dr. Ghodsi will walk you through the procedure and what you should expect.
