Dental Implant Procedure
Dentist Beverly, MA
 Your smile is your identity, and when you lose your teeth, this can affect your first impression of other people. People lose teeth for a wide range of reasons, from decay to accidents to disease. When this happens, be sure to reach out to Thomas P. Rafferty, DDS for help. We can help guide you through the dental implant procedure and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants and dentures are not as uncommon as you might think. One of the many causes of adult tooth loss is damage to or infection of the gums or jawbone. When a patient loses a tooth or has it extracted, it is natural for them to be self-conscious about their smile.
Fortunately, there are numerous options available to help them regain their confidence. Although there are other options, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace a missing tooth and restore a person's smile. The most significant benefit of this treatment is that the implant will blend in seamlessly with the patient's other teeth, providing invaluable support for their oral health for many years to come.
Dental implants can be placed endosteally or subperiosteally, and the procedure can be completed in one or two stages. All of the options feel very natural, but they serve different functions. Understanding the distinction will assist you and your dentist in making the best implant decision for your specific oral needs.
Endosteal Dental Implants
These are preferred by the majority of dentists and patients. This implant, which looks like a tiny screw, is surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Dentists prefer this approach because tooth loss can cause structural changes in the jaw and tooth shifting. Endosteal implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
These look and function similarly to endosteal implants, but they are not anchored into the jawbone and are instead placed beneath the gums or on top of the bone. This implant method is frequently chosen by patients who have insufficient jawbone density or health. Dentists frequently recommend bone augmentation before an endosteal implant to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone. For patients who prefer not to have bone augmentation, a subperiosteal implant can achieve nearly the same results.
Timelines for Implant Placement
Timelines for dental implant procedures are frequently ambiguous. The time required, however, is determined by the condition of your teeth and the complexity of your procedure. The time it takes to get new teeth depends on a number of factors, including how healthy your gums and teeth are overall, how many teeth need to be replaced, where those teeth are in the mouth, whether extractions are required, and whether jaw bone grafting is required.
While a simple implant procedure may only take a few hours, more complex procedures may necessitate multiple appointments spread out over two years. Under ideal oral health conditions, a dental implant should be completed in about nine months.
Call Thomas P. Rafferty, DDS at (978) 720-9009 for an appointment if you are looking to have a dental implant placed. Our dentist is always on hand to answer your questions and ensure you understand the implant process.
What Are Dental Implants?
Understanding the components of a dental implant is crucial to understanding its functionality and benefits:
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The Implant: A titanium screw that integrates with the jawbone, serving as a root for the new tooth.
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The Abutment: Typically made from titanium or zinc, this connects the implant to the jaw.
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The Crown: The visible part resembling a natural tooth, made of materials like ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) to match natural teeth. |
Preparing for the Dental Implant Procedure
Before proceeding with dental implants, consult with Thomas P. Rafferty, DDS at (978) 720-9009 for personalized advice. We will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about dental implants for restoring your smile and if you are a good candidate for this restorative procedure.
Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process
During a dental implant placement procedure, the patient must undergo an assessment and evaluation to establish a unique and specialized treatment that addresses their specific needs. Dental specialists carry out a dental implant procedure with extensive training in surgery and restorative dental procedures. The jawbone is drilled, the titanium post is placed into the root socket, and the gum is sealed. The implant has to be allowed time to securely heal and anchor with the jawbone. Once the bonding is complete, an abutment is applied to the tooth and is used to hold the artificial tooth or crown in place. In the making of the crown, a dentist tries to match up your natural tooth color so it can blend in with your natural teeth. Other colored materials may be used when making a crown, such as gold or metal; however, composite resin or porcelain materials are preferred for their durability and resemblance to natural teeth. Crowns are custom-made through impressions taken of your teeth and cast on a crown material.
Types of Dental Implants
Permanent or removable prosthetics made to resemble implants support your natural teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to replace missing teeth. There are majorly two types of dental implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are surgically installed in the alveolar bone using screw posts. On the other hand, subperiosteal implants are fixed just above the jaw bone, in the gums via a metal frame.
Recovery and Aftercare
It is normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure. This may include swelling gums, pain in the implant area, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will recommend some antibiotics and painkillers to alleviate all these discomforts. The doctor will also advise you to take soft foods after the surgery.
To ensure your implants bond to the jawbone appropriately, and the healing takes place quickly, our team schedules you for periodic follow-up visits. These visits are meant to monitor how the implants are progressing and that there are no complications or infections that could threaten their success.
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