Dental implants are a great option for people who need to replace one or more teeth after losing them to damage or decay. However, candidates for dental implants in Wheaton often wonder how long it will take an oral surgeon to perform the procedure and exactly what they can expect from the process. If this describes you, read on to find out what each phase of your surgery will really be like:
Phase I: Correcting Dental Problems
Before you go in for your dental implant surgery, you can expect that your dentist or oral surgeon will perform a full inspection of your mouth. If you’ve got problems with gum disease or tooth decay, your oral surgeon will want to make sure that those problems get resolved first. Patients should be aware that this may mean they need to have one or more teeth extracted.
Your oral surgeon will then check to make sure that there is enough bone present in order to complete the procedure. Because bone loss can often be an issue for those who may have waited too long to replace their teeth, you may have to undergo a bone grafting procedure during which the oral surgeon will move a small piece of bone from another location so that new bone will grow in the area of your jaw where the implant will be placed.
Phase II: The Surgery
If your oral surgeon has to perform bone grafting, you’ll have to wait a few months before the next phase of your dental implant surgery. After the surgeon has checked to make sure you have a sufficient amount of bone, he or she will make an incision in your gum in order to place an artificial tooth root. Once that is completed, an anchor (referred to as an abutment) will be attached. Patients should note that they will have to wait until their bone fuses with the implant before a tooth-colored crown will be placed in their mouths.
Because implants contribute to jawbone retention, getting dental implants in Wheaton is a great way to make sure that you maintain your oral health after you’ve lost a tooth. If you’re thinking about undergoing dental implant surgery, contact Dupage Dental Smiles to find out how you can work with a professional to correct your dental issues and create a bright smile that you can be proud of.
