Did you know that about 30 million Americans have dental implants in Fort Pierce? If you’re getting ready for your own dental implant, you’ll want to know what you can expect before, during, and after the surgical procedure.

Steps in a Dental Implant Surgery

Step 1: Initial Evaluation

Your dentist will evaluate your oral and general health by taking multiple X-rays, blood tests, and if needed, a CT scan. Dental implant candidates should be generally healthy with enough jawbone capacity to support the implants. Certain medical conditions including diabetes, bone diseases, and heart diseases have to be taken into consideration before the dentist decides to move ahead with the procedure.

If your dentist declares that you’re fit for getting dental implants, you’ll be scheduled for the procedure. Dental implant placement usually involves an outpatient procedure that’s performed under local anesthesia.

Step 2: Surgery

If you have damaged or decayed teeth, your dentist has to pull them out before drilling the implants into your jawbone and suturing the incisions. If your bone isn’t dense enough to support the implants, bone graft surgery will be performed to improve the quantity and quality of your bone. After completing the dental implant surgery, you’ll be sent home with a temporary denture while waiting for your wound to heal completely.

Step 3: Post-Surgical Care

You’ll be required to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions to the letter. Although a certain degree of swelling, bleeding, bruising, pain, and discomfort is normally experienced around the surgical site, this can be alleviated with the help of pain medications. To avoid infections, good oral hygiene has to be maintained.

If post-operative symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bleeding continue to persist or worsen for an extended period of time, call your dentist immediately.

Step 4: Placement of Abutment

Once the dental implants have successfully integrated themselves into your jawbone, the abutments are screwed onto them. These abutments connect the implant to the dental crown.

Step 5: Placement of the Prosthetic Teeth

As soon as the prosthetic teeth are ready, the dental crowns are attached to the abutment.

Interested in Getting Dental Implants in Fort Pierce?

Dental implants are a great restoration option for missing or damaged teeth. If you’re interested in getting them, contact Smooth Sailing Dental today to schedule your consultation.