Dental implants are becoming a very popular way of replacing missing teeth. This is because they last long and feel natural. Dental implants are fixed during a dental implant surgery.
With technology, it is quite possible to get the implants fixed with a one stage surgery.
Dental Implant Surgery: One or Two Stage
This is referred to as immediate loading. Traditionally however, implants are attached in a two stage surgery. A two stage surgery is the only option if there needs to be a complementary procedure like bone grafting to be done.
In a two stage surgery, implants are placed after one to twelve weeks and this is called early loading, or after three months called delayed loading. Evidence suggests that the success rate of implantation is not affected by the timing of the dental loading.
The two stage surgery will start with the patient getting anesthesia, which may be local or general.
The method of anesthesia used will mainly depend on the patient as some are nervous about dental procedures and will therefore prefer to be totally out during the dental implant surgery.
After anesthesia has been administered, the dentist will cut through the gum to expose the jaw bone underneath.
He will then use a drill to make a hole in the jaw where the titanium implant will be placed. A cover is placed over the implant and the gum tissue is stitched over to allow healing.
Healing time, during which osseointegration takes place, is anything from three to six months. A patient may opt to have early loading so the next surgery may happen after a week, before complete healing has happened.
The most common option is delayed loading of the implant. During the second surgery, an incision is made on the gum to uncover the implant. An abutment is then attached and it is on which the dental restoration, denture, crown or bridge is placed.
The dentist may opt to place a temporary dental restoration first and then put a permanent one later. He will have discussed all options with the patient before the surgery as the different options will have a different dental implant cost for your dental implant surgery.
