Are you researching the possibility of receiving dental implants? Understanding all the steps involved in a successful procedure is important – from start to finish. This post will take you through the entire process and help prepare you for what lies ahead. First, let’s focus on the first step: understanding each of the three stages of dental implantation surgery. Continue reading to explore the three stages of a dental implant Singapore clinics provide to create a long-lasting, natural-looking smile with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Table of Contents
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants act as artificial replacements for missing teeth. They are small titanium posts placed directly into the jawbone to provide stability and durability, creating an anchor for a custom-made dental crown or bridge. Unlike dentures and traditional bridges, dental implants do not have to be replaced every ten years – they can last a lifetime if properly taken care of.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants help preserve facial structure, prevent bone loss in the jaw, and maintain proper chewing function and speech clarity. Furthermore, with dental implants, there is no need for adhesives or special cleaning routines.
The Composition Structure of the Dental Implant System
The dental implant system consists of three components: an implant body, an abutment, and a crown. The implant body is surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing a secure foundation for the other two components. The abutment connects the implant body to the dental crown and acts as an anchor. The dental crown is a custom-made artificial tooth that looks and functions naturally. Together, these three components provide stability and durability for a long-lasting solution to missing teeth.
What Can You Expect from Dental Implants?
With dental implants, you can expect improved comfort and stability for eating and enhanced self-confidence from having a beautiful smile.
The most common sign that dental implants may be necessary is when a person notices their existing tooth structure has been affected by decay, discolouration, or breakage. If not treated quickly, this can lead to further damage and the need for dental implant surgery. In addition, people may also experience changes in how their teeth fit together, difficulty chewing food, and altered facial structure due to missing teeth.
The dental implant process involves three stages: evaluation, implant placement, abutment attachment and fitting of the crown.
Dental Implant Surgery Stage 1: Evaluation and placement of the implant
During the evaluation, your dentist will examine the area to determine if dental implants are an appropriate treatment option. They will also take X-rays and other imaging tests to better understand the jawbone structure needed for successful implant placement.
Once it has been determined that dental implants are suitable for your situation, they can be surgically placed into the jawbone. Your dentist uses a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during this procedure. The titanium post is fitted into the jawbone, which takes several months to heal and become firmly anchored.
Dental Implant Surgery Stage 2: Attaching the abutment to the implant
The second stage of the dental implant process is known as abutment attachment. Abutments are custom-made attachments that secure the new prosthetic tooth (or teeth) to the implant post. This stage of treatment requires precise and careful placement of the abutment to ensure a proper fit and long-term stability for your new prosthetic tooth.
The dentist will carefully measure the implant post and the abutment to ensure they are fitted together correctly before making any permanent attachments. Sometimes, your dentist may also place a temporary crown over the abutment while it heals to protect it from further damage.
Dental Implant Surgery Stage 3: Placement and fitting of the crown
The final stage of dental implants is the placement and fitting of the crown. During this step, the dentist will use specialised tools to shape and mould a prosthetic tooth that perfectly fits your mouth. The custom-made crown is then secured to the abutment with special dental cement.
This final stage ensures that your new prosthetic tooth is fitted securely and matches your existing teeth’ size, shape, and colour. Your dentist may also use special tools to ensure your new tooth looks as natural as possible when you smile.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
No, dental implants should not be painful during or after the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort and may experience some soreness or swelling in the area afterwards, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. During the healing time of the placed implant, there may be some soreness that causes pain.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth is essential for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Without replacing the tooth, there can be issues with your chewing ability and speaking properly. Over time, this can lead to misaligning other teeth due to shifting caused by the gap in your mouth. Leaving space for a missing tooth may make keeping your gums and teeth healthy more difficult.
In Summary
The entire process sounds intimidating, for sure. But once you understand the three stages of a dental implant, together with the right procedures and care, these implants will give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile that lasts for years!