Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a type of restoration that is used to completely replace a missing tooth. When you’re missing a tooth, the only two options you used to have for replacing it was with a partial denture or fixed bridge. Implants work on their own to replace both the roots as well as the upper portion of a missing tooth. Implants are durable and long-lasting, and most patients have implants for a lifetime.
Why would you need a Dental Implant?
The major reason you might need a dental implant is because you’re missing a tooth. Rather than wearing a partial denture or damaging surrounding teeth, one or more implants can be placed. By placing an implant, you’re restoring the beauty and functionality of your entire smile. Implants are great for patients who want to keep a denture in place, since multiple implants can be used to hold onto the prosthetic appliance.
What makes you a good candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients who want implants are good candidates for oral surgery. In order for implants to heal properly, there needs to be healthy and solid bone available in the exact location where they are going to be placed. If you have areas of bone loss, you may need a bone graft surgery performed prior to implant oral surgery. With the help of an exam and dental x-rays, we can determine if implants are right for you.
What can you expect throughout the Dental Implant surgery?
The surgery involves providing you with anesthetic or sedative of your choice. We make a small cut through the gum line and then create a deep tunnel-like hole into the jawbone. The titanium implant is placed into this cavity and provided adequate time to heal on its own. The implant fuses with the bone in about three to six months. After this occurs, it becomes a solid and stable part of the jaw. We can then make a crown, bridge or overdenture that can be placed over the implant foundation.
If you would like to find out more about the implant surgical procedure, contact our practice now so that one of our team members can get you scheduled with a convenient consultation appointment.
