Dental Implant Procedure
Salem, OR
 One of the qualifications for dental implants is to make sure you have enough bone for dental implant placement. After we have determined that the patient can heal in a timely manner and that the patient has sufficient bone for placement, we can then proceed to prepare for surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, we will need to ensure that there is no infection present. A common dental infection is gum disease. Gum disease is a common dental disorder. Our mouths are constantly coming in contact with bacteria. It’s in the food we eat and in the air we breathe. Throughout the day, our body naturally creates a material called plaque. Plaque is a blend of food debris and saliva, and it is filled with the bacteria that is present. This material clings to our teeth and along the gum ridge. If left in place, and not regularly brushed away, this material dries and hardens into what we call calculus or tartar. Once hardened, this material begins to attach our teeth and gums, infecting and inflaming. Signs of gum disease can be easy to spot.
Signs of gum disease include:| • |
Irritated:Do your gums appear to be red, puffy or irritated? Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Gums that are fighting an infection will seem irritated. |
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Bleeding:Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Many patients think that it is normal for gums to bleed a little when flossing or brushing. This is not normal, it is an indication of infection. Healthy gums will not bleed, even a little, when brushing or flossing. |
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Receding:Are your gums receding or pulling away from your teeth? Do your teeth appear to be longer in length? Your gums want to be healthy. If the infection continues, your gums will try to restore health by pulling away from the source of the infection, which unfortunately includes pulling away from your teeth. |
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Bad Breath:A common complaint of patients with gum disease is the feeling of constantly having bad breath, even when they have taken specific measures to counter it. Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. As the bacteria rages with infection it gives off a sour taste and smell. |
We need your mouth to be healthy and free of infection before surgery. This may include the removal of unhealthy teeth. When a tooth has decayed beyond repair, it may be necessary to remove it, which may have been part of the already discussed treatment plan before implant placement.
Placement of your Dental Implant
An important aspect of placing your dental implant is determining the best angle for secure placement. Using precise technology, in addition to education and training, Dr. Luisa Snyder will create a map before placement for the best bone mass and most secure positioning.
Following the placement of the implant, the patient will be sent home for healing. Within a couple of days, you should be able to resume your normal activities, including work. The healing of the tissue should be quite fast. The real work is being done below the tissue, as the implant and bone heal together. We will provide an estimate how long the recovery process for implants will be at your first appointment.
After about three months, Dr. Luisa Snyder can resume the work to restore your tooth. We will schedule an appointment to customize your dental crown, or bridge, or partial denture. Once it is ready, the dental device is installed, and you have a fully restored tooth.
For more information on dental implant procedures, including how long dental implants last, or to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact Fairmount Dental Center at (503) 362-8364 to schedule a consultation.
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