Accidents might happen that result in a tooth being damaged. Sometimes, you might need to have a tooth extracted or might lose a tooth due to other health issues. Instead of leaving an empty space where the tooth once was, a dentist can place an implant that will look and function like your natural tooth. Here are a few details to keep in mind about dental implants Niagara Falls, ON, dentists can place.
Preparations
There isn’t a lot that you need to do to prepare for the procedure before going to the office. If your dentist sees any signs of an infection in your mouth, then you might need to take an antibiotic for a few days before your appointment. An X-ray is usually taken of your mouth before the implant process begins. When you get to the office, your dentist will usually inject numbing medication in your gums to help with any pain or discomfort.
The Initial Process
When you begin the process of getting dental implants from a Niagara Falls, ON, dentist, you might need to have damaged areas cleaned or broken pieces of your tooth removed before the jawbone is prepared to receive the implant. It can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months for the process to be completed depending on any bone grafts that need to be performed and depending on how quickly your mouth heals. If the bone is infected or if there is damage to the bone in your jaw, then a graft would be needed. A metal post is placed in the bone that will receive the abutment for the crown once the area has healed.
Final Steps
The final details of the implant process include placing the abutment on top of the post and then placing the crown. Your dentist will ensure that the crown looks as natural as possible compared to your other teeth. It will also function like your other teeth as well, allowing you to eat and brush as you normally would.
