What to Expect at the Dental Implant Clinic

 

While most everyone knows what to expect when they go to the dentist for a cleaning, a filling or a crown, the newer cosmetic dentistry procedures are less obvious. Many of us are curious about dental implant surgery, for instance, but have little idea exactly how the process works. We’ve put together a little information about what the process is like when you go to the dental implant clinic.
Basically, the implant procedure is considered an outpatient process and is usually spread out over a series of stages:

Removal of the damaged tooth

Surgical preparation of the jawbone; this may include some bone grafting

Once healed from grafting, a metal post is implanted in the jawbone

The second healing period may go on for a few months

Finally, an abutment is attached to the post – an extension of sorts – which is then followed by the installation of the artificial new tooth/crown.
Folks don’t often realize that from beginning to end, the dental implant clinic process can stretch up to nine months or a year due to the bone grafting that may be required. One of the main reasons why this is necessary for some people having dental implant surgery is because their jawbone is too soft or lacks proper thickness to withstand the treatment. This isn’t always because of periodontal issues; sometimes it’s just the basic act of chewing that wears down the bone. Through the grafting process, a sliver of bone is removed from elsewhere on your body and then gets re-purposed along the jawline. After this, a waiting period ensues during which the relocated bone will hopefully grow enough new matter to actually support the implant.
Regardless of whether is takes months or you have an implant-ready mouth, typical healing after the installation of the artificial tooth involves:

Skin and gum bruising

Minor recurrent bleeding

Pain where the implant has been installed

Swelling of face and gum-line
While most of these symptoms should fade within a few days of your tooth procedures, you will return to the dental implant clinic for regular checkups to see how your mouth is healing.
More like this.