If you are missing a tooth, your periodontist may recommend dental implants in Berkeley, CA. Implant surgery involves replacing a root with a metal post and then attaching an artificial tooth to it. A well-executed implant will leave you with a ceramic tooth that looks and performs just like a real one. Many people who take hypertension medication to lower their blood pressure falsely believe they cannot have implants. Here are the steps we take in implant surgery and how your medication may affect the procedure.
Jawbone Preparation
If your jawbone is too soft or too thin, you may require bone grafting. The jawbone must be able to support the dental implant and withstand chewing. If it isn’t strong enough, we will use an artificial bone or a bone fragment from another part of your body to reinforce it.
The Dental Implant Process
After your jawbone is prepped, we will implant the post. The bone then undergoes osseointegration, which is the process of healing and growing into the dental implant. This may take several months.
Applying the Abutment
The abutment is an extension of the post and secures the crown to the dental implant. We will open your gums to expose the post, attach the abutment, and then close the gums around it. Sometimes this step will be taken at the same time as implantation.
Affixing the Tooth
After a healing period of about two weeks, we’ll take impressions of your mouth and use them to create your crown. The final step is attaching the artificial tooth. The dental implants will complete your smile, giving you the freedom to enjoy your life again.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is used to decrease pain and anxiety during implant surgery. Some local anesthesia drugs can interact adversely certain
hypertension medications. This can increase blood pressure and cause anxiety the anesthesia was meant to prevent. Luckily, there are measures a periodontist can take to avoid such a situation, such as spreading out anesthetic injections over a longer period of time. Be sure to disclose any prescribed medications to us so we can plan your care accordingly.
Contact the Periodontist in Berkeley, CA
If you want to replace a missing tooth, don’t let your hypertension medication stop you from pursuing dental implant surgery. Contact Dr. Chertok at our office in Berkeley, CA to schedule a consultation today.
