What Are Dental Implants?
A tooth implant, more commonly known as a dental implant, is a type of tooth restoration that provides an extremely close match to the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth. Implants are also commonly used to anchor certain types of dentures.
Dental Implant Components
- Metal post: This post is firmly implanted within the actual jawbone.
- Abutment: This is a connector piece that is placed over the implanted metal post.
- Crown: Your dentist would complete your dental implant by placing a dental crown onto the abutment, allowing you to chew and bite with normal force.
The Steps of the Dental Implant Process
The following are the general steps necessary to receive a dental implant.
Bone Grafting
The success of an implant procedure is dependent upon the quantity and quality of the underlying bone. If you have gone a while without replacing a missing tooth, the bone underneath begins to melt away. Known as the process of resorption, it can leave you with insufficient bone mass to support an implant. A bone graft procedure will strengthen the area so that you can receive an implant in that location.
The Dental Implant Placement Procedure
Your dentist performs dental implants under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. After the area is completely numb, they will create an incision in the gum tissue, exposing the underlying jawbone. They will drill down into the jawbone, forming a small hole, which will be expanded to accommodate the implant.
Next, your dentist screws the dental implant into the hole that was created, using a dental instrument. They will place a component called an abutment onto the implant. Lastly, they then replace the gum tissue over your jawbone and use some stitches to hold it into place.
Likewise, it can take anywhere from three to six months for your new dental implant to completely fuse with your jawbone.
Abutment Placement
The abutment is attached to the implanted metal screw. In short, it is the placement of a dental crown that serves as a chewing and biting surface.
Procedure Results
Your new implant will serve as a functional and aesthetic replacement for your original tooth. Overall, implant procedures have an extremely high success rate of over 95 percent. Also, new implant should last for a lifetime if you care for it correctly.
Your Consultation
Dental implants are a great choice. Find out if this treatment is right for you! To determine if you would make an appropriate candidate for a dental implant procedure, you’ll need to meet with your dentist during a consultation. Schedule your dental implant consultation. Contact us today! New patients are welcome. See you soon.