Dentists in Livonia regularly recommend that people replace missing teeth with advanced titanium dental implants. Implants provide the most permanent and stable replacement for missing teeth that not only return teeth to your smile, but roots to the interior of your jaw. Replacement teeth held in place by an implant restore all dental function that your original teeth performed for you. Those replacement roots — in the form of titanium posts — not only hold your replacement teeth in position stably but bind to your jaw tissue as if they were themselves natural tissue. Even better than that, the replacement roots stimulate the ongoing health and growth of strong natural bone tissue to support the structure and shape of your face.
If your dentist has recommended implants as an option for restoring your missing teeth and dental function, use this outline of the implant surgery procedure to guide your discussions with your dentist about what to expect.
The process of getting implants
The process of obtaining dental implants in Livonia includes three stages.
The preparation stage
Your dentist in Livonia will examine the health and conditions of your gums, teeth and jaws. To determine whether implants are appropriate for you, your dentist will review your medical history thoroughly and take dental images.
The implantation stage
A dentist near you will apply a local anesthetic or appropriate form of sedation. A hole will be made in your jaw bone, and a titanium implant placed in that hole. Stitches will then be used to put and hold your gums in place while the post fuses to your jaw bone tissue over the course of three to six months.
The attachment phase
After the healing process is complete, a dentist near you will complete the attachment phase of the procedure. A small piece called an abutment will be connected to your titanium post, and an artificial crown attached to that abutment to complete the implant procedure.
What to expect throughout the implant procedure?
The implant surgery procedure is a relatively invasive one. Your dentist will make an incision in your gums, then drill into your jaw bone to place the implant itself. That process can be uncomfortable. The process of providing dental implants near you is always performed under local anesthesia or even sedation depending on your particular needs and conditions.
While local anesthesia will be sufficient to ensure you experience no pain or discomfort, sedation dentistry in one form or another can help you to relax and remain calm and still throughout the procedure. Sedation dentistry is available in a range of options including (from mildest to most significant) nitrous oxide, oral sedation, intravenous sedation and even general anesthesia (though use of general anesthesia is unusual and uncommon except in the most extreme cases).
Following your surgery and during your 10 to 14-day recovery period, you may experience swollen gums, swelling in your face, bruises on your skin and gums, pain at the site of the implants and minor bleeding. Your dentist in Livonia will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you recover completely without experiencing any complications. Those instructions will likely include advice to restrict yourself to soft foods during your recovery period.
Complications arising from implant surgery are uncommon and unlikely, but possible. Possible complications include bleeding, infection and numbness in adjacent muscles or sinus cavities. If you experience unexpected or worsening symptoms after surgery or at any time during or after your recovery period, contact your dentist immediately so that their staff can review your recovery and take any steps necessary to ensure your complete recovery.