At some point in life, people lose their natural teeth for various reasons such as decay or injury. The teeth can be replaced using various techniques, one of which is through dental implants. A dental implant refers to an artificial substitute that replaces the root portion of a person’s tooth. This implant is surgically placed into a person’s jawbone, where it serves as the root of a missing tooth. A replacement tooth is then placed over the implant, giving the recipient the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. However, a person aspiring for an implant needs to know that this process takes time, so one should not expect immediate results. Below we discuss the dental implant procedure in detail, so that prospective clients may know what to expect.

You should know that not everyone may qualify for a dental implant. Considering this, every person needs to undergo thorough evaluation before the implant. The evaluation process involves the dental specialist, specializing in different conditions such as those relating to a person’s jaw, mouth or face. The first requirement is that a person needs to have an adequate jawbone structure to secure the implant. If not, one should be able to undergo a bone graft. The oral tissues of a prospective candidate should also be healthy, in order to preempt future infections. Additionally, a person is checked for health conditions that can affect bone healing.

The placement of a dental implant involves surgical procedures that are performed in different stages. The whole process can take three to nine months, whereby most of the time is devoted to the healing of a person’s jawbone. The procedure begins with the placement of a dental implant in a person’s jawbone. During this process, a person’s gum is usually cut open so as to expose the jawbone. A hole is then drilled into the bone, where a dental implant will be placed. This process is usually followed by a healing period, which may take a few months. During this period, the jawbone is allowed to grow and unite with the implant’s surface. This process is aimed at providing a solid base for a person’s artificial tooth, just like the roots in a person’s natural teeth.

Afterwards, a person may require additional surgery to place an abutment on the dental implant. The abutment is an extension that links a person’s new tooth to the implant. It can also be placed during implantation, but most people prefer to have it placed later since it juts beyond the gum line. This means that it is visible when a person opens his or her mouth, an appearance that most people do not like. Once the abutment is in place, a person must wait for one or two weeks in order for the gum to heal. Finally, the replacement tooth is attached to the abutment, creating a natural appearance and feel. Due to the surgical processes involved, a person can expect some discomfort, such as pain at the site of the implant. Nevertheless, the procedure is quite safe, in addition to producing excellent results and beautiful teeth.