The Ultimate Guide To The Boise Dental Implant Process

Interested in dental implants? You probably have a lot of questions. At Summit Dental, we want all of our patients to have a full, healthy, beautiful smile. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are a wonderful restorative option that can provide you with the same benefits as natural teeth. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following ultimate guide to the Boise dental implant process.

Boise Dental Implant Questions

Who is the best candidate for dental implants?

First and foremost, it’s important to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants. While not everyone is, there are a few steps a dentist can take to help prepare you for implant success. Because implants attach to the jaw bone, they need adequate bone in the implant area. Your mouth also needs to be free of cavities and disease to eliminate any potential for infection during implant surgery. With the help of a bone graft, periodontal treatments, and cavity fillings, your Boise dentist can get the health of your mouth in the right place.

How are implants placed?

Implants are secured in the jaw where the titanium material of an implant bonds with natural bone. Once this bond has been established, an abutment is attached. This abutment acts as a connector between an implant and any accompanying restorations.

Why are dental implants a strong restorative choice?

Dental implants are arguably the most durable dental restoration. In fact, with proper care, they are completely resistant to even the slightest movement or worry of tooth decay. Even more, dental implants are custom designed to specifically blend in with your natural teeth making it easy to match your implant to the rest of your smile.

How long do implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime without a single problem. This will provide you with the ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and kiss without the worry of having to replace them any time in the near future.

The Boise Dental Implant Process

Pre-Surgery

People with missing or damaged teeth are usually good candidates for dental implants. When you visit your Boise dentist for dental implants, they will first take an X-ray of your mouth to assess the health of your bite, the location of any missing teeth, and the location in the jawbone where an implant will be placed.

Surgery

While many people worry about the level of pain they may experience during the implant process, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several options you can discuss with your dentist. This will ensure you experience a comfortable, pain-free procedure that can include local anesthesia or sedation.

If you are replacing broken or damaged teeth, you Boise dentist will first need to extract them. Next, you may need a bone graft to ensure there is adequate space for the implant. However, this isn’t always necessary for every patient. While a bone graft may seem scary, it’s actually a pretty routine procedure that involves adding grafting materials to the location of a missing tooth to use as an anchor for your dental implant. If you do require a bone graft, your Boise dentist may recommend letting it heal for a few months before proceeding to the next step.

Next, your Boise dentist will drill a small hole into the bone where your implant will be placed. Keep in mind that you will not feel a thing while you are under anesthesia or sedation. Once the titanium post is secured, you will need to wait several months for it to fuse to with your jaw bone. This process is called osseointegration. Osseointegration provides an implant with a solid foundation for a crown (artificial tooth). In the meantime, your Boise dentist can provide you with a temporary denture to maintain the appearance of your smile.

After osseointegration, your Boise dentist will administer local anesthesia to attach an abutment. This is a structure that connects your artificial tooth to the implant. Your dentist will then place a permanent crown over the abutment thus providing you with a complete dental implant that looks and feels like a natural tooth.

Follow Up Care for Implants

After a dental implant has been placed you will need to be careful about what you eat or drink upon the recommendation of your Boise dentist. You may also be prescribed some anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics or pain relievers should you need them.

At-home care for implants is the same as for regular teeth. In order to ensure your oral health, it’s important to brush and floss them regularly each day. Avoid eating anything hard, chewing ice or using tobacco. Certain foods and drinks like coffee and red wine can also potentially stain your new implant. However, with proper care, your dental implant can last up to a lifetime without any problems. Keep in mind, however, it’s important to visit your Boise dentist for routine checkups and cleanings to prevent any issues with your implant or natural teeth.

Summit Dental Group

If you are considering getting dental implants, it is important to talk with your Boise dentist who is expertly trained to ensure safe, optimal results with minimal discomfort. At Summit Dental, our experienced team of professionals will help you determine whether dental implants are the right solution for your dental concern. We would be more than happy to help guide you on your journey towards a smile you can wear proudly!   Contact us at (208) 314-2275 to schedule a consultation.