Arizona Tribune - Getting Implant Dentures: A Step-by-Step Process

Initial consultation

The very first step towards rebuilding your smile is an in-office consultation with your dentist. During the initial consultation, they'll ask you about your dental goals and assess your oral health. They may take X-rays and impressions or scans of your teeth and jawbone to evaluate your bone structure and help determine if you're a good candidate for implant dentures. During this step, your dentist may provide approximate prices to help you budget for the treatment.

Develop a treatment plan

Once you've gotten the green light that your mouth is healthy enough to support dental implants, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your assessment. They'll outline each phase of the process required for your desired outcome, including preparatory procedures, how many and which type of implants are required, and timelines for every step of treatment. At this point, your dentist will likely provide you with a breakdown of procedures and pricing, outline pre-treatment expenses, explain how much dental implants cost, provide the expected amount due for creating the dentures, and describe any other fees involved in the overall treatment.

Pre-implant procedures

You may need to complete one or more pre-implant procedures depending on your oral health to promote the longevity and success of your dental implants. A few common pre-implant procedures include:

• Tooth extraction: If you have broken or decayed teeth, your dentist will perform a tooth extraction to remove the teeth and make space for the implants and new artificial teeth.

• Scaling and root planing (SRP): If you have gum disease that compromises the integrity of the roots of your natural teeth, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, also called SRP. This is a form of in-office deep cleaning to remove plaque and build-up that occurs below the gum line. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and restore healthy gums.

• Bone grafting: If you have deteriorated or low jawbone density or your jawbone and facial structure are compromised, your dentist may perform a bone graft. This helps to rebuild the bone and facial structure to create a stable foundation for the dental implants.

Place the implants

Dental implants, which are small titanium screws, are surgically placed into the jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, the implants will fuse to the jawbone over time, ultimately creating a secure base for your artificial teeth. As you heal from dental implant surgery, a process that can take several months, your dentist may place a temporary set of dentures for you to wear for the short term. You'll return for a follow-up appointment later to have your permanent implant dentures placed.

Create the dentures

Next, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, which will be used to create custom dentures unique to your bone and oral structure. When the dentures are ready, the dentist will secure them in place using screws or snap-on attachments that are connected to your new implants. The way implants are adhered in the mouth depends on whether you're getting removable or permanent implant dentures.

Make adjustments

Once in place, your dentist will make sure that the dentures fit properly, feel comfortable and secure, function appropriately, and achieve your desired look and feel. If you have any discomfort or uncertainty about the fit, ask your dentist to make adjustments.

Post-treatment care

Once the treatment is complete, maintain good oral hygiene practices and clean your implant dentures like you do your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily, floss, rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash, and visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.

The bottom line

For many patients, implant dentures are a reliable and budget-friendly solution to repair teeth for the long term. Now that you understand the procedure, you can speak with your dentist about whether this tooth replacement option works for your specific situation. Schedule a consultation with your local dentist today to find out whether implant dentures are right for you.

CONTACT:

Sonakshi Murze
Manager
[email protected]

SOURCE: iQuanti

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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