If you are missing a tooth, you may be wondering if a dental implant is the right solution for you. Dental implants are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth, and for good reason! They offer many benefits over other solutions like dentures or bridges. In this post, you’ll learn about how does dental implants work and why they may be the best option for you.
Important facts about dental implants
Before we get into how dental implants work, let’s go over some important facts about them. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal. This means that it is safe for your body and will not cause any reactions. The titanium is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it will fuse with the bone over time. This process is called osseointegration and it makes the dental implant very strong and stable.
There are three parts to a dental implant:
- The abutment: This is the piece that connects the implant to the dental crown. It is made of metal and it is placed on top of the implant after it has healed.
- The dental implant: This is the titanium screw that is placed into your jawbone.
- The outer tooth: This is the dental crown that is placed on top of the abutment. It is made to look like your natural tooth.
Now that you know a little bit more about dental implants, let’s take a closer look at how they work.
How tooth implants are placed
Here are the steps involved in getting a dental implant:
Dental consult with your specialist dentist
The first step is to consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for dental implant. They will evaluate your oral health and make sure that you have enough bone density in your jaw for the implant to fuse with.
Your dentist will propose a treatment plan
Once they have determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist will develop a treatment plan. This plan will take into account the number of teeth you are missing and where they are located in your mouth. It’s important to note that you may need more than one dental implant if you are missing multiple teeth.
Teeth implantation surgery
The next step is to have the implant surgery. This involves placing the titanium screws into your jawbone. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia. The recovery time for this surgery is typically around six weeks. The process will be painless as the local anesthesia will numbed the area. After the surgery, your jawbone will need to heal and fuse with the titanium screws.
Some cases require a second stage or reopening surgery
In some cases, a second stage of surgery may be required. This is typically the case when there isn’t enough bone density in the jaw for the dental implant to fuse with. In this situation, your dentist will place a bone graft at the time of implant surgery. The bone graft will help to promote new bone growth. Once the new bone has grown, the dental implant can be placed.
Impression taking for final crown
After the implant has healed, it’s time to take an impression of your mouth. This will be used to create your final dental crown. The crown is made to look like your natural tooth and it will be matched to the color of your other teeth. Once the crown is ready, it will be placed on top of the abutment.
Regular follow up visits with your dentist
After you have your implant and crown, you will need to see your dentist for regular follow-up visits. These visits are important to make sure that the implant is healthy and that there are no problems with the crown.
Now that you know how dental implants work, you can decide if they are the right solution for you.
Wrapping it up
As you can see, dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. They are strong and stable, and they look just like your natural teeth. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate. Now that you know how dental implants work, you can make an informed decision about your oral health.