Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that replaces tooth roots with screw-like metal posts which serve as support for artificial teeth.

Dental implants are surgically positioned into the jawbone underneath the gums. Because of the titanium present in them, they are able to fuse to the jawbone naturally, hereby providing a firm support for the artificial teeth.

Since it is a surgical process, the oral surgeon and dentist will have to take an initial assessment of the patient, in order to recommend a good treatment plan. This evaluation includes:

• A detailed dental examination where dental x-rays and 3D images of the teeth and jaw may be taken. This will reveal if there will be need for bone restructuring.

• A review of medical history where the patient tells the doctor about medical conditions, including any medications he/she takes.

The surgeon begins by exposing the jawbone where the implant will be placed. A hole is drilled into this location and the implant metal post is implanted deep into the bone.

After the dental implant is placed into the jawbone, the process called osseointegration begins. During this process, the jawbone grows and fuses with the implant while the gum tissues also heal.

Once the gum has healed enough, the surgeon will reopen the gum and expose the dental implant. Then an abutment (the piece on which the artificial crown will eventually attach) is placed on the implant.

The surgeon begins by exposing the jawbone where the implant will be placed. A hole is drilled into this location and the implant metal post is implanted deep into the bone.

After the dental implant is placed into the jawbone, the process called osseointegration begins. During this process, the jawbone grows and fuses with the implant while the gum tissues also heal.

Once the gum has healed enough, the surgeon will reopen the gum and expose the dental implant. Then an abutment (the piece on which the artificial crown will eventually attach) is placed on the implant.

The recovery process of dental implant surgery varies widely from patient to patient. The process can take between two to six months. It however depends on some factors that determine how lengthy it is. These factors include:

• Number of Implant Posts

Generally, the more dental implants posts you get the longer the recovery.

• Bone Graft

In cases where the jawbone is not thick enough to support the implant, there will be need for bone to be taken from another part of the body (like the hip) and get transplanted into the jawbone. This is called bone grafting. Artificial bones can also be used for bone grafting. It can take a few weeks before the gum in the region heals properly.

• Osseointegration

As the gum tissues continue to heal, the bone naturally integrates itself with the dental implant. This process is called osseointegration. This process can continue gradually for about six months.

• Food and Consumptions

During the period of recovery, soft and even liquid foods should be taken in form of a well-balanced diet to aid proper recovery. The vitamins and minerals gained from diet can greatly affect recovery. Alcohol and tobacco products like cigarette must be avoided to ensure quick healing.

In some cases of damaged teeth, when teeth are to be extracted and replaced by implants, the surgeon can place the dental implants into the tooth socket immediately after extraction. This technique is known as “immediate implant placement.” Although the implant is placed directly into the hole left by tooth removal, it will still take regular time for the bone and gum tissues to heal and for osseointegration to take place. If you experience a dental emergency or require immediate attention, finding an emergency dentist near Royal Palm Beach can be crucial for quick treatment and preventing further complications.

After the abutment has been fitted to the top of the implant, the dentist will attach the final artificial replacement (crown, bridge or denture) to the abutment. The prosthesis is made in the laboratory from materials like porcelain using the patient’s dental model. They are attached to the top of the abutment with a dental cement or a small screw.

Sometimes a few number of visits to Royal Palm Beach may be necessary afterward to ensure a perfect fit for the new artificial tooth. This is the final stage of treatment. The patient then regains normal chewing function and aesthetic look.

On the average, a single tooth replacement can cost about $3,000 to $4,500. The cost varies and depends on some deciding factors like the number of teeth being replaced. Generally, the more the teeth, the costlier the procedure. The kind of materials used can also be a factor. If more specialized materials are used, it is likely the cost rises. Other factors include insurance, nitrous oxide sedation, anesthesia and qualifications and experience. The qualifications and expertise of the dentist you choose for your procedure around Royal Palm Beach will also affect the cost. A highly qualified dentist may cost more but tooth placements are a long term investment and recreating your smile is worth every penny.