Dental
Implants
Dental implants are becoming more popular in today?s dental society
for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients
a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are
missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient
the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without
being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.
Benefits
· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing
bone.
· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
· Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.
· You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.
· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.
· Implants have a proven scientific basis.
Procedure
The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown.
The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline.
A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the
tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The
first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant.
Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and
the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is
achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. There is not often
significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take
from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.
This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months.
During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process
called osseointegration. A removable crown may be utilized during
this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic
appearance..
The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the
tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and
placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that will
support the final crown.
Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration
is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically
pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing
you to resume normal activities.