What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge or Implant Procedure Done

When it comes to getting a dental bridge or implant, the procedures are quite different. One involves surgery while the other does not. Understanding the difference between the two procedures can help you to make a good decision as to which one is going to be best for you. We have found that a little education and understanding in dentistry can also help to reduce anxiety related to it.

Dental Implants

Dental implants serve to replace teeth that are missing. A dental implant is surgically put into your jaw. It replaces and serves as the root of your tooth, giving a solid spot for your crown to attach.

Dental implants do take a series of pre and post appointments to make sure that everything is evaluated and monitored for healing. If you decide to get a dental implant you can expect to go through a series of steps such as this:

• Initial Consultation – Your dentist will evaluate your medical history, do an exam, and take necessary x-rays and imaging to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. 
• Dental Implant Placement – This is the appointment where your dental implant is placed. It is very important that bone structure in this area is healthy. If bone structure in this area is not good, then another step of bone grafting must be done first. Anesthetic or sedation is used during this appointment so you are comfortable during the procedure. Dental implant surgery is much like other surgeries in that you will likely experience some tenderness and swelling after surgery.
• Post Op Check-ups – You will visit your dentist following surgery for check-ups. The implant sight will be healing for the next 3 months following placement and during this time osseointegration will be taking place. This is the healing process of your body forming a long -lasting foundation with your implant.
• Abutment Placement – This is when a small connector piece is added to your implant after healing has taken place. This connect piece will provide a solid base for your new crown to be attached.
• Crown Placement – New impressions are taken and a crown is fabricated to fit your new implant. Usually you will get your crown placed about 3 months after your implant surgery was done. 

Will I Be Without A Tooth For The 3 Months My Implant Site Is Healing?

That is a good question! There are options for temporary teeth that can fill the missing area where your implant is. If it is a tooth that is toward the back of your mouth, most people go without it for a few months. If the tooth is towards the front of your mouth and affects your smile, there are options such as retainers that can fit around other teeth and fill the gap. 

Can I Get An Implant Placed The Same Day A Tooth Is Extracted?

Same day dental implants are an option but much must be evaluated before this is done. The implant will need to go in the exact same area that your root was extracted from. This may or may not be ideal for your situation so it is something that your dentist will need to evaluate. 

Also, in order for this type of implant you need to be healthy and you cannot be a smoker. If you present with any of these health concerns, we do not consider you an ideal candidate for this type of implant:

• Insufficient bone levels at implant site
• Periodontal disease
• You clench or grind your teeth
• Autoimmune diseases

Dental Bridges

Getting a dental bridge involves shaving down the tooth on either side of your missing tooth. Choosing to have a dental bridge done can be a great idea when the teeth on either side of the missing tooth could benefit from having a crown. Again, many factors go into determining if a bridge or implant would be best for you, thus it is a good idea to talk through all the options with your dentist. 

If you do decide to get a dental bridge, you can expect to go through a series of appointments such as this:

• Initial Consultation – Your dentist will evaluate your medical history, do a dental exam, and take necessary x-rays and images to see if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.
• Extraction – If your tooth has not yet been extracted, that will need to be done. 
• Crown Prep and Impressions – The tooth on either side of your extracted tooth will be filed down to allow space for the bridge to fit. Impressions will also be taken so that a new bridge can be fabricated to fit in this space. You will likely go home with a temporary bridge that will be on for a few weeks until the permanent bridge is made.
• Final Crown Seat – A few weeks later the temporary bridge is replaced and your permanent bridge is cemented on. Your restoration is complete and now you can chew in this area.

Whether it is dental implants or dental bridges that you are interested in, our dental team can help answer your questions. Both can be great options depending on what your specific needs are. If you are wondering if you are a candidate, call us to schedule a consultation!