Dental Implant Surgery

    ORANGE COUNTY, CA, November 16, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental implant surgery is performed to replace missing teeth with artificial ones that will look and function just like your natural ones. Dental implants are the latest cosmetic dentistry technology that provides a welcome alternative to traditional bridgework and poorly fitting dentures.

How your dentist performs your surgery will depend on the type of implant you are receiving and what condition your jawbones are in. The procedure is performed in stages and is highly recommended if you want great looking teeth and have trouble eating and talking with your current dentures or missing teeth.

The Procedure

If you are replacing damaged teeth, the first step is removing the damaged tooth. Then, your dental implant is placed by surgically inserting it into your jawbone. The implant is usually a titanium cylinder that is threaded on one end. The bone will naturally fuse with the implant post over time and a temporary crown will be placed on top of the post while the healing process takes place.

The process of your jawbone growing into and uniting with the surface of the implant is called osseointegration. This takes anywhere from two to six months to be completed and is an integral part of your implant procedure. Once the bone has fused with the implant, it has formed a solid base to support your new artificial tooth. This functions in the same way as roots do for natural teeth.

Once your jawbone has properly healed and your gums have formed around the temporary crown, a permanent crown is placed and your procedure is complete.

Anesthesia

Sedation dentistry is an important part of any cosmetic dentistry practice. Many patients suffer from feelings of anxiety when they have to face the dental chair. Your procedure really is not something to fear, but even knowing this does not help some people. Your dentist can offer you sedation options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.

A pill can be prescribed to you that you will be asked to take prior to arriving for your appointment. The pill offers a mild, sedating effect that will help you remain calm and relaxed throughout your procedure. You will be conscious and alert during the entire process, but you will be asked to have a companion drive you to and from the dentist's office.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is another option that can be used instead of, or in addition to the sedation pill. This "twilight sedation" alleviates anxiety while preventing you from feeling any pain during your procedure.

Post-Surgery

It is not uncommon to experience some mild discomfort after your dental implant surgery. Some symptoms following your procedure may include:
• Minor bleeding
• Pain at the implant site
• Mild gum and skin bruising
• Mild swelling of the face and gums

These symptoms are minor and temporary and are generally very tolerable for most patients. In the event that your symptoms are difficult for you, your dentist may be able to prescribe pain medicine and antibiotics until your symptoms subside.

About ePR Source

To learn more about dental implant surgery or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure you may be interested in, please visit the website of Dr. Norman Huefner.

Source: Dr. Norman Huefner
Website: http://www.drhuefner.com

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