A Guide to the Dental Implant Process

September 26, 2023, Swift Dentistry

If you have missing teeth, whether it's one tooth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth, there are more options available to you than just living without teeth or using dentures. Your dentist in Kelowna offers various solutions, including modern and effective full and partial dentures, different types of dental bridges, and dental implants. Dental implants are a great option to replace both the teeth and roots, restoring full dental function and strength. This brief introduction will provide an overview of the dental implant process, helping you determine if it's the right choice for you and allowing you to have an informed discussion with a dentist near you.

Determining good and bad candidates for implants:

Ideal candidates for dental implants in Kelowna are patients who are in good overall health and can withstand the surgical procedures. Additionally, good oral health is necessary, meaning there should be no gum disease and the jaw bone should have sufficient mass and density to support the implant.

Poor candidates for implant dentistry include smokers, excessive alcohol consumers, pregnant women, patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Additional investigations or preparations may be required to address potential risks and complications for these individuals.

The steps involved in getting dental implants:

Before the scheduled surgery, your Kelowna dentist will ensure you are prepared for the operation. This may involve using antibacterial mouthwash and taking antibiotics prior to the procedure. Your dentist will also confirm transportation arrangements to and from the clinic and discuss the sedation dentistry options available.

Placing the implant through surgery

Using local anesthesia, your surgeon will numb your mouth and make an incision in your gums to expose the tooth bone. Through this incision, your dentist will create space for the titanium post that will replace the missing tooth's root. Once the implant is placed in your jaw, the incision will be stitched. The second stage of the procedure will occur a few months later, allowing time for recovery and for the implant to bond with the jaw bone.

Attaching an abutment

During the second stage, your dentist will make a small incision in your healed gum to expose the implant. An abutment will be attached to the implant post, which will serve as the connection for the replacement crown in the third stage. Impressions will be taken to design and prepare the crown.

Attaching the crown to the abutment

The final step involves attaching the crown to the abutment placed in the previous stage. The crown is crafted by dental laboratory technicians based on the impressions taken by your dentist, ensuring it blends naturally with your remaining teeth. The process of crafting, fitting, and placing the crown may require multiple appointments.

Dental implant procedures are highly successful and generally completed without complications. The staff at a dental clinic near you will provide detailed instructions and information to ensure a full recovery from each stage of the procedure, allowing you to quickly return to normal life and dental function.

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