Dental Implant Team
Are you receiving a Dental Implant? First of all, congratulations! That is a huge benefit that has far reaching implications for your self-esteem, diet, and overall health. It can be scary though, the surgical process that replaces your teeth by anchoring them into your jaw. No need to fret, Dental Implants are very common and happen every day. In many cases the synthetic teeth are stronger than your original teeth. The process of Dental Implants can be long, but it is always worth it in the end. Your Dental Care team will help guide you through and advise you along the way, as your ambassadors to good dental health.
When do you meet your Dental Implant Team?
You will meet your Dental Team after you have consulted with your Dentist about Implant options and decided to move forward. There are many options and materials to choose from, and your Dentist is the best guide to help you decide which will be best for your situation.
Who is on your Dental Team?
You- You should have already met the most important person on the team, it’s you. You are the decision maker, and every step of the process has to get your okay. Never feel like you are speaking out of turn, or like you shouldn’t speak up. This is all about you, your team is here to help.
Dentist- You should also know your Dentist. Your dentist is your primary dental care provider, they know your mouth and your health history better than anyone. Your Dentist has seen you for regular checkups, watched your dental health change, and has probably assisted with removing dental material leading to your implants.
Dental Hygienist- Your Dental Hygienist is a valuable new advisor. They ensure that all aspects of the operation are sterile and positive for your dental hygiene. They can clean your gums and teeth better than anyone, and they can provide you with incomparable advice on how to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Use them as a resource to develop pristine care routines.
Dental Surgeon- This is the second most “important” person when it comes to the surgery. You make the decisions, but the surgeon is the number one person in the room. Your dental surgeon is a carefully trained medical practitioner who knows all about common dental degradation and how to use implants. They will perform the anchor implantation, and advise on follow ups and treatment. They will review your dental history to assess how successful surgery will be and what the healing process will be like.
Teams may also include a Dental Implant Technician or a Restorative Dentist. These will depend on the extent of your surgery. Your team is partially there to provide knowledge and advice, ask about individual roles and involve yourself in the process.
The Surgery
The initial surgery will involve implanting the anchor. The anchor will be made of a sturdy material, like titanium, and will meld with your jaw. This process of melding takes time, depending on your other health history, and is called Osseointegration. The jaw and bone will grow to hold the anchor rooted firmly in place, just like an original tooth.
After the surgery
After this healing and forming is done, a dental implant can be attached to the anchor. Your implant will be attached through a piece called an abutment. This abutment will screw into the anchor, and then the implant will attach to the abutment. Once the implant is affixed and working properly, there will be some healing time as your jaw adjusts to the sensation of chewing forces. You will attend frequent follow up visits with your team. Your hygienist and Dentist will be performing regular maintenance checkups. These will look for structural functionality of the implant, care routine evidence, and monitoring of food and plaque buildup.
When is the right time?
If you are missing teeth, now may be the time. You do not have to live with a dental situation that deprives you of your lifestyle. Missing teeth can cause self esteem problems, and even depression. Missing teeth can also have impacts on your diet and overall health management. Talk with your Dentist and ask about dental implant options. For any variety of tooth decay or damage there is an appropriate implant package to satisfy your every need. Then consult with your insurance to discuss coverage options.
The sooner you inquire the sooner you can meet with your Dental Implant team and start seeing results. This could be the first smile of the rest of your life. Talk to your dental health care professional today and ask what implants can do to change your smile.