Dental implants serve as a great alternative to dentures in replacing missing teeth. These implants are synthetic structures that are anchored into the jaw bone where a previous tooth was originally located. Once placed, the implants serve as the foundation for an artificial tooth, bridge, or even permanent denture placement.
In order to qualify for dental implants, a candidate must have proper bone density to support the implant as well as a strong immune system to allow proper healing for the site of implantation.
When a tooth is extracted, an implant can be readily placed to allow bone to heal and regrow into the socket and support the implant. In the case that there is already a missing tooth the bone density of the area will be evaluated. If there is not enough bone density, a bone graft is necessary to reconstruct the bone structure which will take time for the body to fully develop.
Once the implant is placed, sutured, and healed, our dentist will open up the implant under the gum and place a tissue-forming healing abutment on it, before suturing it up again. The healing abutment provides a structure for the gums to grow and heal around, allowing space for a future artificial tooth to be placed.
After the gum has been formed and fully healed, the healing abutment is removed, and an impression of the patient’s bite and implant, as well as the shade of tooth is taken to fabricate an artificial crown. The crown is then delivered to the patient with routine follow-up appoints to ensure the quality of the implant.
The process of a dental implant varies for every patient which takes into consideration, the oral health, healing time, immune response, and body reaction for each patient.
Dental implants are regarded as the best long-term solution to a missing tooth. The implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural tooth. Thorough brushing and flossing can be retained with implants in contrast to alternative replacements such as dental bridges.
With diligent and proper oral health care, dental implants have great longevity, possibly lasting a lifetime.