Clinical studies show that the dental implant remains the gold standard of dental restorations. Implants can help bring back your smile and dental function. The right dental professional can perform the procedure without any issues. Here are the details on how an oral surgeon approaches a dental implant surgery.
Choosing a dentist who has training and experience in handling dental implants is important. Getting these restorations is a huge decision. The invasive process may involve difficult procedures. A regular dentist will not be able to handle such situations. This is when an oral surgeon comes in.
Many dental implant surgeries need more procedures. Only the techniques and knowledge of a surgeon can perform them. A common example is jawbone grafting. In some patients, the jawbone is too thin to support implants. Significant jawbone loss will need bone grafting first. This additional procedure will thicken the area enough for dental implant surgery.
Jawbone grafting involves opening up the gum area that has a thin jawbone. Taking some healthy bone and then placing it in the jawbone that needs it will follow. It will take months before the jawbone and gum tissue heal. The doctor will determine if it is time to start the dental implant procedure.
In some cases, some sections of the upper dental arch need the same treatment as well. The surgeon will then perform a sinus lift. Placing some healthy bone in the areas that need it will thicken them. The dental implant surgery will then start after complete healing.
An oral surgeon is highly knowledgeable in dental implant surgery and oral anatomy. This type of dentist has four to six years of training after dental school. Exposure to different dental restoration patients provides more than enough experience with implants. These encounters equip the surgeon to perform the procedure. A custom-fit treatment plan is crucial. The surgeon will create this to meet the patient’s needs.
A dental implant procedure will start with jawbone preparation. Evaluating the jawbone is necessary to see if it can support the titanium rods. The surgeon may peel back the gum tissue or make a circular incision to check the thickness of the jawbone. Using a bur to mark the bone will follow. A divot or indentation will guide the pilot drill later.
The surgeon will drill a pilot hole into the bone. A jig will help ensure that the drilling is on point. Using an alignment pin will keep the placement straight. It will keep the new implant in line with the natural neighboring teeth. Threading the pilot hole and inserting the titanium rod will follow. The surgeon may also choose a self-tapping implant that creates a ribbed pattern as it goes into the hole.
The oral surgeon will stitch the gum tissue over the titanium rod. Doing so will let the area heal faster. The rod will fuse with the gum tissue and jawbone. This will take about six months. Full healing will depend on the patient’s ability to recover. The surgeon will then call the patient back to attach the titanium abutment and the dental crown.
Every patient has a separate set of dental needs. This is the basic consideration every oral surgeon keeps in mind. It helps patients achieve their smile goals, even if it takes some time. Working with your oral surgeon can help your dental implant fuse with your jawbone well.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northsideoms.com or call Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at (763) 284-3159 for an appointment in our Coon Rapids office.
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