When you have a missing tooth, there are a few options for restoration. One option is dental implant OKC surgery, replacing the missing tooth root with a titanium implant post. This blog post will look at the steps involved in dental implant surgery.
1. Testing and Planning
Your dentist will take X-rays and a CT scan of your mouth to create a 3D image of your teeth and jawbone. This information is used to plan the placement of your implant. It also helps your dentist determine if you have enough bone to support an implant.
2. Local Anesthesia
Once the plan is in place, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your implant. Your dentist can do this with a local anesthetic or IV sedation.
3. Making an Incision
The next step is to make an incision in your gum. Your dentist will use a scalpel to make a small cut in your gum. The size and location of your incision will depend on the placement of your implant.
4. Placing the Implant
After your incision is made, your dentist will place the implant into your jawbone. The implant will be placed beneath your gum line. Sometimes, you may need a second surgery to place the implant.
5. Closing the Incision
Once the implant is in place, your dentist will close the incision with sutures. The sutures will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed. This type of surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete.
6. Recovery
After your surgery, you will need to take it easy for a few days. You may experience some swelling and bruising. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on caring for your implant.
7. Osseointegration
After your surgery, your implant will need to fuse to your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. It can take several months for your implant to fuse to your jawbone. This is why it’s essential to be patient during the recovery process.
8. Placing the Abutment
Once your implant fuses to your jawbone, your dentist will place an abutment. An abutment is a small connector piece that holds your artificial tooth in place. It is placed on top of the implant.
9. Placing the Artificial Tooth
After the abutment is in place, your dentist will place your artificial tooth. The artificial tooth can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal. It will be color-matched to your natural teeth.
10. Follow-Up Appointments
After your surgery, you will need to see your dentist for follow-up appointments. Your dentist will check your implant to make sure it is healing properly. You will also need to have regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery is a surgical procedure that replaces the missing tooth root with a titanium implant post. The steps involved in dental implant surgery at OKC Dentist: Dynamic Dental Orthodontics and Implants, are testing and planning, local anesthesia, making an incision, placing the implant, closing the incision, recovery, osseointegration, and placing the abutment, placing the artificial tooth, and follow-up appointments. But if you’re in Texas, you can check out this dentist in Irving to get started with your dental implants.