Dental Implant ProcedureMissing or damaged teeth can take your beautiful smile away but more importantly, they are a health hazard. Besides the social awkwardness, you will face difficulty in eating, talking, and sleeping, which can quickly take a toll on your mental and general health. Dental restorations provide a way to restore your smile but also secure your oral health. Many people opt for dental implants as they offer a permanent solution to missing or damaged teeth. Even though they cost slightly more than other restorations, the benefits in the long run are incomparable. If you have finally decided to undergo a dental implant procedure but do not know what to expect, we can help you at Beaverton Oral Surgeons. Our staff would be more than happy to break down all the steps involved in the procedure so you can rest easy knowing what to expect. A Comprehensive Oral ExamImplant-supported restorations require multiple steps over a period of six to nine months. The first step will be undergoing a comprehensive oral exam so your dentist can study your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is essential in determining whether or not you have sufficient bone height and density to maintain the implant. They will also check for periodontal diseases to ensure the implant procedure goes through smoothly. Placing The ImplantDepending on the initial evaluation, your dentist will either choose endosteal or subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your dental surgeon will cut through the gums to expose the bone underneath and then drill a hole in it before placing the implant. If you are getting subperiosteal implants, these will be placed between the gums and the jawbone. Your dental surgeon will choose this option if you do not have adequate jawbone thickness to support the implant. OsseointegrationOnce your dentist places the implant, they will allow it to fuse with the gum tissue over a period of two to six months. The process, also called osseointegration, is when the bone starts growing around the implant so it can act like an artificial root for the crown. Crown PlacementOnce the implant has healed adequately, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth for the artificial crown to be made. But before the crown is placed, abutments will be added to the implants and allowed to heal for a few weeks. Abutments are metal structures used to anchor the replacement teeth. You can either opt for removable or permanent crowns. Fixed or permanent crows are screwed onto the abutment and can only be removed by a dental surgeon using special tools. Removable crowns, on the other hand, are placed onto a metal frame and attached to the abutments. These can be removed daily for cleaning purposes. After the crowns are attached, your dentist will communicate all the necessary information, including steps on aftercare and maintenance of the implants. Your new teeth will feel and look just like natural teeth and must be cared for in the same fashion. If you or a close family member are planning on undergoing implant-supported restoration, our team at Beaverton Oral Surgeons is here for you. From ensuring that you are feeling calm and relaxed before the surgery to answering any questions, our staff is available to support you. To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at (503) 646-7101. |
 Hillsboro400 E Main St Ste 120, Hillsboro, OR 97123 Hillsboro, OR 97123-4163 (503) 646-7101 Beaverton3925 SW 153rd Drive #100 Beaverton, OR 97003 (503) 646-7101 HoursMon - Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm |
