Dental Implant Procedure
Seattle, WA
 Dental implant surgery is a procedure to replace the root of your teeth with screw-like posts, providing a viable replacement for irreparably damaged or missing teeth with synthetic teeth that look and work like real teeth. At Queen Anne Family Dental, Dr. Corinne Reschenthaler and Dr. Grant Reschenthaler recommend getting this procedure done if dentures or bridgework are not viable options for you to consider. How the dental implant procedure is performed depends on your jawbone’s condition and the type of implant you need. A successful dental implant procedure offers complete restoration of your teeth.
Preparing for the Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant procedures may take several months from start to finish. Planning the procedure might involve several specialists for various conditions. This may include dentists specializing in treating gums and bones, dentists who design and fit the artificial teeth; and occasionally, ear, nose, and throat specialists.
Planning and preparation might involve several procedures, and that’s why you must have a thorough evaluation done, involving different processes, including:
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A comprehensive dental exam
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A complete review of your medical history
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A treatment plan created specifically for your situation |
Dental implant procedures can be painful, and you may require various anesthesia options, including local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your dental specialist will recommend the most suitable option based on your medical evaluation.
What You Can Expect in a Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant surgery typically requires several surgeries in different stages, with adequate healing time between them. Placing a dental implant may involve several steps, including:
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Removing damaged teeth
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Bone grafting (if necessary)
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Placing the dental implant
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Letting the bone grow and heal
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Placing the abutment
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Placing the artificial teeth |
The entire process can take several months from start to finish, depending on your recovery speed and the complexity of your situation.
Dental Implant Placement Procedure
Your oral surgeon will make a cut to open the gums and expose the bone during the procedure to place the dental implant. They drill small holes into the bone where the dental implant’s screw-like metal post will go. The surgeon will implant the metal deep into the bone because it will act as an alternative to the roots of your teeth.
You can request a temporary denture because you will have a gap where the surgeon removed the damaged root. The temporary denture can be good while you wait for bone growth before moving on to the abutment placement.
Abutment and Artificial Teeth Placement
Once the surgeon places the metal implant in your jawbone, the osseointegration process will begin. This is when the jawbone grows and becomes one with the screw-like metal implant. This process can take several months. The surgeon may perform another procedure to place the abutment once the bone growth is complete; this is the piece where your artificial teeth will be attached.
Placing artificial teeth is the final step in dental implant procedures. You can consult with your dentist on whether getting removable or permanent teeth would work better for you and get it accordingly. Recovering after a dental implant procedure can be uncomfortable. Follow your dentist’s after-care recommendations to ensure a quick and complete recovery.
Contact Us for a Consultation Today
To schedule an appointment at Queen Anne Family Dental for your dental implant procedure, call us at (206) 424-4450 today. |
