Are you interested in choosing dental implants to permanently treat your tooth loss? If so, you are making a wise choice. Dental implants are the most preferred option to replace missing teeth because they offer a 95 percent success rate. However, in order to obtain the exceptional benefits of dental implants in Encinitas, you will have to undergo surgery. When the word “surgery” is used, we understand it is only natural to become a bit hesitant. To help ease your worries, Dr. Greg McElroy has everything you need to know about dental implant surgery.
Process to Receiving Dental Implants
To begin the process to receive dental implants, you will first need to undergo a thorough consultation with Dr. McElroy. During the examination, it will be determined if you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are, a customized treatment plan will be created. As this time, it will be discussed if any additional procedures will be needed prior to implant surgery, such as bone grafting or tooth extraction.
After all of the steps are in order and you are finally ready for dental implant surgery, the first phase will begin to place the implant post. An oral surgeon will make a small incision into your gum to expose your bone. Then, holes are drilled into your jawbone to allow for the placement of the implant post, which will act as your new tooth root. With the implant post in place, the gum will be sutured closed to allow healing to begin.
Over the course of the next several weeks, your jawbone will fuse to the implant post. After your bone has properly healed, you will undergo another procedure to place the abutment. The abutment allows the prosthetic crown to be attached to the dental implant while also allowing the gum to heal properly. To place the abutment, the gum is reopened and the abutment is attached to the implant. The gum tissue will be closed around the abutment, but not over it.
The final phase involves placing the artificial tooth. This is the easiest phase of the procedure. Roughly two weeks after the abutment has been placed, Dr. McElroy will attach the artificial tooth to the post via the abutment. You will then have a new, complete smile using the best option to treat tooth loss.
Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
During each phase of the process to get dental implants, there will be a recovery period. You may experience slight swelling, bruising, pain, and even minor bleeding. However, these will subside within a few days. While you heal, it is important to keep the area clean while also minimizing the risk for irritation.
Your Dentist for Dental Implants
Dr. Greg McElroy proudly offers his patients dental implants to benefit from the best form of tooth replacement available. Dr. McElroy will perform the evaluation needed to determine if dental implants are right for you to create a treatment plan. If you are ready to regain a complete smile with dental implants, it is time to contact Dr. McElroy for an appointment.
