For patients experiencing tooth loss, one popular treatment option is dental implants. Advances in biomedical technology – including the discovery of titanium osseointegration – have improved these implants significantly over the last several decades. By working closely with your oral-maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), you can find a long-lasting, effective solution that will improve your oral health and even give you more confidence in your appearance. Advantages of modern dental implants include:
- Natural appearance that mimics the look of surrounding teeth.
- Reduced risk of cavities, since titanium implants do not decay.
- Enhanced stabilization of adjacent teeth.
- Long-lasting solution, able to last a lifetime if correctly cared for.
Dental Implant Process
While highly effective, receiving dental implants is also a complex procedure requiring consultation with a skilled, experienced medical team. An OMS is an indispensable part of that process. Thanks to their training in dentistry, surgery, and internal medicine – including 4-6 years in a surgical residency program – an OMS has the specialized knowledge of the jaw and face to determine if implants are the right choice for you.
The first step when considering implants is a comprehensive exam, including X-rays and even 3D images of your jaw. This way, an OMS working together with other dental professionals can evaluate whether implants are needed and if your jaw will support them. At this point, assuming that the OMS believes implants are the right path forward, they will work with you to create a specialized treatment plan, considering your medical history and specific needs. Since it is the future of your oral health that is being considered, your medical team must keep you well-informed throughout this process. A good OMS will make sure that you are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about every key decision about your implants.
Once the decision is made, the implant process can begin. This is a multi-step procedure that will require multiple appointments. The steps are as follows:
- Implant Placement – Your surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the jawbone and then drills a hole using a special tool. Next, the dental implant is gently screwed into the jawbone until it is secure.
- Abutment Attachment – Once the dental implant has optimally osseointegrated with the jawbone, your surgeon will reopen the gum to expose the implant and attach the abutment.
- Replacement Teeth – After securing the abutment to the dental implant, the replacement tooth is placed onto the abutment. The result is a complete, natural-looking smile you can enjoy for a long time
This process involves numerous procedures requiring an OMS expert knowledge of facial and cranial structure. In most cases, it also necessitates general or localized anesthesia, another area where the extra training of an OMS is a huge advantage. In addition, an OMS can let you know about the potential (but uncommon) risks associated with the procedure, such as infection at the implant site. By following the advice of the OMS and practicing good oral hygiene, such risks can be avoided or easily mitigated.
Your Next Steps
By consulting closely with an oral surgeon, you could be on your way to a healthier, brighter smile in a matter of months. This is possible thanks to the specialized training that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon undergoes.
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