How do dental implants work

Lucky for you, same-day dental implants have become quite popular in the orthodontic world. The traditional implant process can take months. However, with same-day implants, you could see your smile restored in record time. You just might have a brand-new, gleaming smile before you know it! To put it simply, same-day dental implants are the most convenient way to get a perfect new smile. You must first extract the affected tooth, then wait months for the socket to heal.

Finally, the crown is placed into the implant. With same-day implants, however, are much quicker in nature. Once for a consultation, once for surgery, and finally a follow-up. That means no months of waiting for things to heal. For some, this quick process could sound too good to be true. So how effective is it, really? Same-day implants are only getting more and more efficient.

The success rate for these surgeries is climbing. In fact, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information , the difference in success rates for same-day vs traditional implants is statistically insignificant. There are some negatives you should consider before deciding on same-day implants.

These were found by the Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , and include:. Generally, the main risk of same-day implant surgery is a higher risk of implant failure. Same-day surgery can also be harder on the body. Use caution with same-day implants if you have a compromised immune system. Who can have dental implants? For this reason, so we usually do not use implants on people below age How do you need to prepare?

This can include: A comprehensive dental exam may consist of taking x-rays and 3D images A review of your medical history including medications you take and any orthodontic or alternative conditions we should be aware of An in-depth discussion on your dental issues and desires for your smile Putting together a treatment plan tailored to suit you We will administer an anaesthetic prior to treatment in order to control pain levels and make the experience as comfortable for you as possible.

What happens during the treatment? The process of placing an implant involves several steps which may include: Removing the damaged tooth Jawbone preparation grafting Placing the dental implant Time for bone growth and healing Abutment placement Artificial tooth placement The process can take a few months from the consultation period to the placement of the artificial tooth.

What happens after surgery? It is normal to experience some discomfort after dental surgery. For implants, this can include: Swollen gums and face Slightly bruised skin and gums Pain at the implant site and minor bleeding This is not something to worry about , but feel free to contact your dentist if you have any persistent issues. Are you interested in dental implants? Get in touch today on Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it's implanted deep into the bone.

At this point, you'll still have a gap where your tooth is missing. A type of partial, temporary denture can be placed for appearance, if needed. You can remove this denture for cleaning and while you sleep. Once the metal implant post is placed in your jawbone, osseointegration oss-ee-oh-in-tuh-GRAY-shun begins. During this process, the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months, helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth — just as roots do for your natural teeth.

When osseointegration is complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment — the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This minor surgery is typically done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

In some cases, the abutment is attached to the dental implant metal post when the post is implanted. That means you won't need an extra surgical step.

Because the abutment juts past the gumline, however, it's visible when you open your mouth — and it will be that way until your dentist completes the tooth prosthesis. Some people don't like that appearance and prefer to have the abutment placed in a separate procedure.

After the abutment is placed, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached. Once your gums heal, you'll have more impressions made of your mouth and remaining teeth. These impressions are used to make the crown — your realistic-looking artificial tooth.

The crown can't be placed until your jawbone is strong enough to support use of the new tooth. You and your dental specialist can choose artificial teeth that are removable, fixed or a combination of both:. Whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or multiple stages, you may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:.

You may need pain medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. If swelling, discomfort or any other problem gets worse in the days after surgery, contact your oral surgeon. After each stage of surgery, you may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals. Typically, your surgeon will use stitches that dissolve on their own. If your stitches aren't self-dissolving, your doctor removes them.

Most dental implants are successful. Sometimes, however, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications. If the bone fails to fuse sufficiently, the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned up, and you can try the procedure again in about three months. Dental implant surgery care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dental implant surgery Open pop-up dialog box Close. Dental implant surgery A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth.