In order to find the right dental implant surgeon in Marietta, OH, or Parkersburg, WV, you first need to know what a dental implant surgeon does. It’s also important to understand the different types of dental implant procedures and which one might be right for you. Keep reading for essential information to help you manage your dental health.

Who to Trust With Your Dental Implant Surgery

Not all dentists have the proper training to install dental implants. In that case, you’ll be referred to a specialist with the right training, which takes over 300 hours to complete. If you go to a specialist, don’t be shy about asking for their credentials. For example, in order to find out the full range of possibilities when it comes to single, multiple, or full-mouth dental implants, you should talk to an experienced periodontist such as Dr. Newhart.

Dr. Newhart has provided consultations and treatment to many patients in Marietta, OH, from his office in Parkersburg, WV. Whether or not you have a referral, we welcome new clients at TheGumDr. Dr. Newhart is a highly skilled dental implant surgeon just 22 minutes away from Marietta, OH.

What a Dental Implant Surgeon Does

Premolar dental implant. Medically accurate 3D illustration of human teeth and dentures concept

During the dental implant procedure, you replace lost teeth with an artificial tooth root made of durable metal. Think of it as a screw design to attached to the jawbone and replace the natural tooth. Unlike artificial crowns and bridges, dental implants look and act like the tooth or teeth you lost.

The procedure varies depending on your particular needs and the health of your jawbone. In order to qualify for dental implants, you need a minimum amount of bone to hold the implant in place. Because of all the factors involved, it may take several procedures to allow the bone to heal before Dr. Newhart can install your implants.

The following steps walk you through the process of your initial consultation, the dental implant procedure, and recovery. They also give you an idea of what a dental implant surgeon does.

1. Initial Evaluation

When you visit a periodontist trained in dental implant surgery, you start off with a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. To make this decision, Dr. Newhart examines the condition of your jawbone and the tissue surrounding the missing tooth or teeth. You will probably receive X-rays and, if you are a good candidate, the dental implant surgeon can take impressions and match your tooth color to achieve a natural-looking dental implant.

During the consultation, Dr. Newhart or a member of The GumDr staff Will take a complete history of relevant medical conditions that could affect your oral health. In certain cases, you may have to take prior to dental implant surgery to prevent infection.

2. Tooth Extraction

If you are using a dental implant to replace an existing tooth, The procedure will include extracting the damaged tooth. In most cases, your dental implant surgeon will perform this at the same time he inserts the implant. You will receive anesthesia prior to the procedure. So, you shouldn’t feel any pain.

3. Installing the Dental Implant

There are two main types of dental implants. One is inserted into the jawbone while the other goes under the gumline. If you have a strong, thick jawbone, you may not require a bone graft. However, if you need additional support for the implant, Dr. Newhart may have to perform a bone graft to strengthen the implant post.

Your jawbone withstands high pressure when you chew—so you need a strong, durable implant post. By adding extra bone—called a bone graph—the dental implant surgeon makes it possible for you to receive the implants even if you have lost some bone density. Typically, if you receive a bone graft, the bone has to heal before adding the implant post.

Once the surgeon inserts the implant post, your jawbone grows around it. First, it becomes a part of your gum line. This process takes up to three to nine months, depending on how your body heals and how well you take care of the implant site.

4. Abutment Placement

Many clients start to become more excited during this stage. The abutment goes on top of the implant post and connects directly to the crown, bridge, or dentures depending on your restoration plan. The dental implant surgeon tightens the abutment so it stays in place when you chew. this is a painless procedure because you’ll be under local anesthesia. In some cases, the surgeon installs the abutment and implant at the same time.

5. Adding the Permanent Crown

Finally, after your gums heal, Dr. Newhart installs your artificial tooth or teeth. You have the option to receive removable or permanent implants. It’s important to discuss the benefits of each prior to making a decision.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

There are two main types of dental implants, as follows:

• The most common implants, endosteal implants are made of titanium and go directly into the jawbone.
• These dental implants are installed under the gumline above the jawbone. The dental implant surgeon may recommend subperiosteal implants for clients who do not have healthy jawbone tissue to support an implant.

Contact Dr. Newhart to set up a consultation so that you can ask all the questions you have about dental implants and find out if you are a candidate for this innovative surgery. Call (304) 699-0728 to reach our friendly staff and schedule an appointment.