If you’ve lost your tooth, hope isn’t lost. With a dental implant, your dentist ensures your lost tooth is replaced with an artificial one indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. It is made of titanium and other materials that infuse into your jawbone and imitate the root of a tooth.

To get this procedure done, you need several appointments. It includes consultation, an appointment to place the implant, and another to attach the new teeth, known as crowns.

However, growing children may not be suitable for this surgery since their jaw growth is not yet complete. Also, people with diabetes and leukemia may not be suitable patients for the procedure since they often interfere with healing after surgery.

Purpose of a dental implant

With a dental implant, you have another shot at replacing one or more permanent teeth lost, either in an accident or tooth decay, gum disease, or infection. When you contact a dentist, they may discuss other treatment options, like dentures and bridges.

During an examination, they will also talk about whether you have enough space and bone in the missing tooth area for the surgery. A bone loss means you’ll need a bone graft before getting your dental implants.

How to prepare for surgery

Before the surgery day, you will see your dentist for an initial consultation. Then, they’d conduct a comprehensive examination such as x-rays. It’s also the stage where they develop a plan for your surgery.

After a plan has been established and confirmed that you’re in good health, they’ll schedule a surgery appointment. If you’re going to be sedated either through local anesthesia or IV sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to bring you home that day.

For some reason, smoking may lower the success of dental implants. So if you smoke, you must disclose this to your dentist about whether you should get dental implants. In most cases, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to take a few days before surgery, including a special anti-bacterial mouthwash like chlorhexidine.

What to expect during the procedure

Typically, you will be given local anesthesia or IV sedation to numb the pain. So you wouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during surgery. Then, when you’re passed out, your dentist will cut your gum to place the implant into the jawbone in the location of the missing tooth.

Once done, your dentist closes the gums over the implant. You will recover at home and probably come back in six months for another appointment. We’ve got you covered with everything about dental implants here in Staten Island. So feel free to give us a call or perhaps fill out our contact form to book an appointment.