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Rockwall Oral Surgery

Dental Implant Surgery: A Step by Step Guide

Permanent teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but that is not the case for some of us. You may be unsure what to do if you have lost one or more teeth. Until recently, most patients had to choose between a bridge and a removable restoration. These devices can be inconvenient, unreliable, and even harmful to your oral health in the long run. 

We now have dental implants! A dental implant is a small titanium screw that looks and functions like a tooth’s root. Most screws are attached to an abutment, which connects the restoration to the implant. A single crown, a bridge, or an entire arch of prosthetic teeth can all be supported by dental implants. 

The procedure is straightforward and has the potential to improve your smile and your life. Rockwall Oral Surgery will guide you through the process of implant placement! 

Prior to the Implant Procedure 

A consultation appointment is the first step in the process. A series of tests will be conducted to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. We may need to take dental X-rays, impressions, and 3D CBCT scans to create a precise treatment plan. We’ll also inquire about any medical conditions you have and any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. 

There are a few factors that we must consider for your implant to be successful. For starters, you’ll need a strong jaw. If your bone is too thin or dense, you may need a bone graft, which is another service Rockwall Oral Surgery offers. If periodontal disease and tooth decay are present, we will need to address them. 

During the Implant Procedure 

We will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and place the implant. After that, we drill a small hole in the jaw to allow the implant to be deeply embedded in the bone. 

We suture the incision and wait for bone growth after the implant screw is in place. During the osseointegration process, the implant and your bone will fuse over the next few months. The implant’s surface will grow into and unite with the jawbone. Osseointegration is a technique that mimics the relationship between your jaw and teeth, but with implants instead of teeth. 

After osseointegration, we perform a second minor surgery to expose the implant and place the abutment. After that, we take a mold of the area and use it to create your final restoration. An abutment can be placed simultaneously as your dental implant in some cases. 

Make an Appointment for a Dental Implant Consultation

Dental implants may be a good option for you if you’ve lost a lot of teeth and want an alternative to bridges and restoration. To learn more, give us a call at (469)757-4433.