Placing dental implants involves oral surgery. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, often through incisions made in the gums. If you have lost your tooth very recently, your dentist might place the root directly in the empty socket. For your comfort, your implant dentist or oral surgeon will recommend anesthesia.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
A dental implant consists of an artificial root that is shaped like a screw. The root is set directly in the jawbone. This typically requires a surgical procedure to make incisions in the gums and set the implants in their proper position. For your comfort, your dentist or oral surgeon will probably recommend anesthesia. She may suggest general anesthesia, in which you will be completely unconscious, or local anesthesia with sedation. The type of anesthesia used will depend upon the type of procedure you have done as well as your preferences and those of your dentist or oral surgeon.
The complexity of your implant procedure will depend upon what type of implants you are getting as well as how many teeth are missing. For example, if you only have one tooth missing, your dentist might perform the procedure in the dental office with local anesthetic, possibly accompanied by sedation. Replacing more teeth requires a more complicated procedure, and will probably also require more extensive anesthesia. This could include general anesthesia.
Choosing Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, you should talk to your dentist about the possibility of dental implants. Implants are the most effective form of tooth replacement, because they replace the whole tooth. They look and feel natural, and help stimulate the growth of your jawbone, which prevents long-term jawbone atrophy. With implants, you can eat, talk, and smile with confidence.
Some health or lifestyle issues could reduce your ability to heal after an implant procedure. These include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Gum disease
- Lack of bone mass in the jaw
- Certain medications for osteoporosis
If you have concerns about any of these issues, be sure to talk to our dentist about your suitability for dental implants. Contact our office today!
