What To Expect From The Dental Implant Installation Process
Posted on: 21 May 2017
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If you're interested in having dental implants installed, you might be worried about the installation process. The notion of having a titanium peg drilled into your jaw sounds a bit frightening, but it's not as bad as it sounds. If you're considering this procedure, read on to learn what you can expect from the process, and why it may not be as worrisome as you think.
Cutting The Gums
Once your dentist has received your customized dental implants, it will be time to begin the procedure. To do so, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum line in order to access the bone where the roots of your teeth are anchored. However, you needn't worry about discomfort. Like any major dental procedure, your dentist will thoroughly numb the area first, using Novocaine or a similar injectable medication to dull your senses. You shouldn't experience any discomfort during the procedure itself. If you're sensitive to needles, you can ask your dentist to use a topical pain reliever like Orajel first in order to dull the discomfort of being injected with Novocaine.
Once the gum your dentist needs to access is cut, they'll begin the process of installing your titanium peg.
Installing the Peg
This is the part that generally concerns people regarding pain and trauma to the mouth. However, you have to keep in mind that while some drilling may be necessary to place the peg, it will most likely be minimal. The peg is going to be inserted where your tooth once was, so there will already be a hole in the bone. In essence, the titanium peg is filling in the slot where the root of your tooth used to reside.
If your dentist deems it necessary, they may widen or deepen the hole with a dental drill. This shouldn't cause you any discomfort thanks to the Novocaine. Once the peg is in place, your dentist will stitch up your gums over it, only leaving a small top of the peg poking past the gums. This is where your replacement tooth will eventually be attached.
Healing Process
Healing from dental implant installation doesn't typically take a very long time. The mouth heals very quickly from injury, so you can expect that your mouth should feel next to normal soon. However, it's a good idea to avoid hard foods for a few days following your installation, and you should be especially gentle with your mouth when brushing and flossing your teeth.
If you have further concerns about dental implants, don't be afraid to reach out to a dentist with questions. Dentists are happy to answer questions that you have, and may be able to reassure you about the entire procedure.