Denture implants have emerged as a popular and effective solution for individuals seeking a more permanent, comfortable, and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures. Dental experts believe that implants improve the appearance and function of your teeth and offer numerous benefits ranging from better oral health, improved speech, better chewing, to enhanced self-confidence.
However, denture implants may not be for everyone. This post will explore what to expect during the procedure so that you can decide whether you’re a good fit for it.
The Steps And Expectations Of A Dental Implant Process
What does one can expect when getting denture implants? To make you more knowledgeable of the process and comfortable with it, keep on reading below.
1. Consultation And Planning
During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for denture implants. Additionally, they’ll take X-rays and create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs.
At this stage, the dentist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of implant retained vs implant supported dentures. Price point, healing time, the procedure, and adverse effects will be discussed too. Most importantly, the dentist will educate on how dental implants can improve the appearance of your profile, make chewing easier, and make speech more understandable.
2. Ensure Good Oral And General Health
Before undergoing denture implant surgery, there are several requirements that patients must meet:
- Healthy gums: Good gum health is essential for successful dental implant surgery. Individuals with gum disease or other oral health issues may need treatment before receiving implants.
- Adequate jawbone density: Dental implants require sufficient healthy jawbones to support the implant posts. If your jawbone density is inadequate, you may need a bone graft to strengthen it before receiving implants.
- Good overall health: Patients should be in good general health, without any medical conditions that might negatively impact the healing process or the success of the implants.
- Commitment to oral hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Patients must be committed to regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to ensure their implants remain healthy and functional.
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3. Pain Management
While some discomfort and pain can be expected during various stages of the procedure, there are several numbing options and pain management strategies to ensure a comfortable experience. Numbing and degree of pain or discomfort vary depending on the stage of the implant.
The most common numbing choice for dental implant surgery is local anesthesia, such as Lidocaine. The dentist will inject the anesthetic directly into the gum tissue surrounding the surgical site, effectively numbing the area and allowing patients to undergo the procedure with minimal pain.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask during the procedure. While it doesn’t provide numbing effects, it helps patients feel more relaxed and less anxious about the process. It can be used in combination with local anesthesia for enhanced comfort.
Oral sedatives are prescribed by the dentist and taken before the procedure to help patients feel more relaxed and at ease. These medications don’t provide numbing effects yet can be combined with local anesthesia for improved patient comfort.
IV sedation involves administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line. This type of sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and can be combined with local anesthesia for a more comfortable dental implant experience.
4. Denture Implant Surgery Stages
Denture implant surgery is a multi-stage process involving replacing missing or decayed teeth with artificial tooth roots and crowns. Like any surgery, there are risks, but consultation and awareness of pre-existing medical problems reduce these significantly.
5. Post Implant Placement
The first step in the denture implant process involves surgically placing the titanium posts into your jawbone. The implants are left to heal and integrate with your jawbone, which usually takes several months.
While drilling into the bone may sound painful, patients typically report minimal discomfort during the procedure after being administered a local anesthetic. In addition, some patients may choose sedation dentistry to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.
After the implant posts are placed, they’ll need time to heal and fuse with the surrounding jawbone, a process called osseointegration. The most common reactions reported during this period are mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising. Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and following post-operative care instructions can help manage pain and discomfort during this stage.
6. Denture Fabrication
While your implants heal, your dentist will work with a dental lab to create custom dentures. This process involves taking impressions of your mouth and designing dentures that fit perfectly with your implants along with the unique contours of your jaw.
7. Denture Or Crown Attachment
Once your implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, your dentist will attach the dentures to the implant posts. They’ll carefully adjust the fit and alignment to ensure optimal comfort and function. The color will be matched closest to your own.
The final stage involves attaching the dental crown or denture to the abutment. This step is typically painless, as it doesn’t involve surgery. Patients are generally satisfied and feel that the advantages outweigh any adverse effects. Nevertheless, some patients may experience minor discomfort while adjusting to the new dental prosthesis.
8. Follow-up Care And Maintenance
After receiving your denture implants, you must have regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Denture implants can last for many years with proper care, providing a comfortable and secure solution for replacing missing teeth.
Conclusion
Denture implants offer a long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking solution for those seeking to replace missing teeth. By understanding the types of denture implants available and the requirements for successful implantation, you can make an informed decision concerning whether getting denture implants is the right thing for your dental needs.
