Implant Supported Dentures Procedures in Atascadero, CA

Before any implant is done, you should have found the right dentist for you that you are comfortable with and done enough research on what to expect about during the implant process. Here are a few implant-supported dentures procedures that you should know about to prepare yourself psychologically for the implant.

1. Initial Consultation

Before you think about undertaking any procedure, it is recommended to visit a Prosthodontists (this is a dental specialist) or consult a general dentist in Atascadero that has specialised in restoration or placement of dental implants.

When examining you, the dentist will check your medical and the dental history. The dentist may take an X-ray to create an impression of your gum and teeth so that they can create a model for you. In many cases, a dentist can order a CT (computed tomography) scan of your mouth. This will indicate where your sinuses and the nerves are. The dentist will use the scan to make sure that none of the nerves or sinuses are interfered with during the implant. The dentist may also use the CT scan to check the available bone in order to get the best position where the implant should be located.

If you do not have a complete denture to replace the missing teeth, your dentist can make one for you. You will be required to use this temporary denture for a while until the time when an implant supported denture will be fixed. Your dentist will be able to determine the positioning of the teeth in your final denture by making the temporary denture. In case of anything, the temporary denture can be used as a backup to the implant supported denture. Some individual may also use the temporary denture as their final denture to minimize the overall cost. Attachment needs to be added to this denture to make it fit firmly.

The surgeon uses the temporary denture as a guide that will help in placement of the implants in their proper positions. Holes are later drilled into the copy of the denture so that the surgeon can see the best region for placing the implant.

2. The First Surgery

The first surgery will involve placement of the implant into the jawbone. During this surgery, an incision is usually made in the gum. This is where the implant is placed. A hole is punctured into the bone and the implant placed in it. The incision is then stitched close. After the surgery, you should stop putting much pressure in the implants. The dentist could ask you to use the temporary dentures in order to direct pressure on other regions rather than the implant. You may also be given the soft reline to reduce the pressure exerted on the gum.

The dentist will then have to wait for three months if the implant was placed in our lower jaw or may wait up to six months in case it was placed in the upper jaw a second implant is done. The implants and the bone will integrate during this period.

3. The Second Surgery

After the integration or bone and the implant, a second surgery may be scheduled. The dentist may take an X-ray to find out if the jaws are ready for the second surgery. In this surgery, an incision in made in the gum to expose the heads of the implants. The healing collar is then placed on the head of each implant after they have been exposed. This will guide your gum tissue in healing correctly. The collar can take around 14 days when placed to heal.

Your dentist will later adjust the temporary denture after this period and it can be given a soft reline. This reline secures the denture to healing the abutments. After around two weeks the healing cups will be replaced by the regular abutments. At this time, the gum should be healed and the surgeon can make an impression of the gum tissues without any complication. The surgeon uses this impression in developing a model for your jaw and the abutments.

4. The Dental Insertions and Try-Ins

The metal bar will be placed on your abutments at this point. You should try the new denture to ensure it fits well. The teeth are placed on the denture framework when it can properly fit you. The dentures are then permanently fixed after everything works perfectly. To get a dental insertion, you must visit a dentist. After insertion, the dentures will be clipped in the bar or snapped in your ball attachments. For those who use the temporary dentures instead of the permanent ones, the ball or bar attachments are usually placed in the dentures.