How to Choose the Right Dentist for Dental Implant Surgery
Opting to undergo dental implant surgery is a big step toward investing in the smile of your dreams. It only makes sense that you want to ensure you choose the perfect dentist to do the process. While ensuring your dentist has the proper license and education is important, there are more steps you can take to make sure you choose the right dentist for dental implant surgery.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that a dentist implants into your jawbone or behind your gums. Typically made of titanium posts that look like little screws, dental implants act as a long-lasting root for the replacement teeth that are fixed to them. Different from other replacement options, like dentures, dental implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth that perform similarly to real teeth. They are an ideal solution for people with one or two missing teeth.
There are three main types of dental implant options available:
Single Tooth. As the name suggests, a single tooth dental implant replaces just one missing tooth. It is the most simple dental implant surgery and is commonly used for aesthetic purposes. Single tooth dental implants are also beneficial because they don’t affect the other teeth in your mouth.
Multiple Tooth. Like a single tooth implant, dental implant surgery to replace multiple teeth doesn’t require support from or affect the health of your neighboring natural teeth.
Full Mouth. Full mouth dental implant surgery is an excellent choice for someone looking to replace most or all of their missing natural teeth. A full mouth implant feels more natural, lasts longer, and is easier to maintain than traditional dentures.
What is Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery involves placing a dental implant into a patient's mouth. It can often involve several procedures, especially for those getting a full-mouth replacement. The process for your dental implant surgery will largely depend on the implant you receive.
The process begins with your dentist providing a comprehensive dental evaluation. If they determine your jaw bone isn’t thick enough, you may require a bone grafting procedure before dental implant surgery. Once you’re in surgery, the dentist will drill a hole into your jaw bone where the post will be implanted.
After the post is implanted, you will need to wait two to six months for the implant to fuse to your bone and become permanent. During this time, your dentist may provide you with temporary replacement teeth to sit atop the implant.
Once total fusion is complete, your dentist will attach the abutments that will hold your permanent replacement teeth. The replacement teeth will be fixed to the abutments, and you’ll need a few weeks to heal before the entire process is complete. From start to finish, dental implant surgery can take between three and eight months.
How to Choose the Right Dentist for Dental Implants
If you’re nervous about your dental implant surgery, choosing the right dentist will help you feel much more at ease. To make sure you’re making the right choice, follow these tips:
Look for a dentist with a successful track record of performing dental surgery.
Ask about your dentist’s continuing education efforts to ensure they’re up-to-date on the most current practices.
Find previous dental implant surgery patients and ask them about their experience.
Choose a practice that can handle the entire dental implant surgery from start to finish without having to go to different offices.
Speak with your dentist about a personal plan for your dental implant surgery, including your preferred sedation options and what will make you feel most comfortable.
One Manhattan Dental: Committed to Your Health Journey
Dental implant surgery can be an excellent option for those looking to replace their teeth with something that feels just as natural as real teeth. Here at One Manhattan Dental, we promise to deliver first-class oral health and dental care to every patient. We are committed to focus only on treatment that we feel we can deliver at the highest level. For patients that need care outside of our services, such as a surgeon, our referral network includes some of the best specialists in the tri-state area.