Now that you’ve undergone the initial consultation process and Dr. Petty has determined you have enough healthy bone to receive a dental implant in Tullahoma, the next step is to move forward to have your missing tooth replaced, but what does that entail? That question is answered in detail as you continue reading.
The Professional Referral
One of the values of a professional referral from Dr. Petty is you can rest assured that you’ll be working with a qualified implantologist. He or she will perform the implant surgery and will also place the abutment and final restoration.
Is the Process Painful?
One of the greatest concerns with any dental procedure is the level of pain it will cause. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about enduring discomfort during the implant placement. Typically, your implantologist will either use local anesthesia or IV sedation to allow for a comfortable procedure.
And in most cases, the post-treatment discomfort is similar to that of a root canal. There may be swelling, bruising, minor bleeding or mild pain, but that can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
How the Procedure Works
Once the anesthesia has been administered, the implantologist will take the following steps:
- He or she will make an incision in your gums to gain access to the underlying bone.
- A small hole will be created in the bone to allow the implant to be inserted.
- Once the implant is placed, a cover screw is added to protect the area while it heals.
Following the initial placement of the implant, you’ll be given time to heal (usually a few months) before you proceed to the next step. During this period, the titanium implant will bond with the underlying jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which helps to form a sturdy base that provides support for your entire facial structure.
It’s Time for the Abutment
After sufficient healing and the necessary fusing of the bone with the implant, you’ll re-visit the implantologist to have the cover screw removed and an abutment added to the implant, which acts as a connector that will later allow a final restoration (prosthetic tooth) to be added.
The Restoration
When your gums have healed enough from the placement of the abutment, you’ll be invited back to the implantologist to have a final restoration added. For a single tooth, a crown restoration will be used, which is a tooth-colored porcelain fixture that is made to provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.
With a fully restored smile, you will be ready to head into the world to reclaim the life you once had, but this all depends on you taking the first step to reach out to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist in Tullahoma today.
About the Author
Dr. John Petty is an experienced dentist who is proud to help patients regain their lost smiles through dental implants. To schedule your implant consultation or to learn more about his restorative treatment, contact our office at 931-240-2416.