How a Dental Implant Can Replace a Missing Tooth
Of all the options available for replacing a missing tooth, a dental implant has the highest success rate. The tooth restoration is highly effective, durable, and long-lasting. This article explains the use of dental implants to restore the smile after losing a tooth.
The single-tooth restoration process
A dental implant can solve some of the problems that usually come with dental bridges or partial dentures, making it a popular option. Implants replicate the complete structure of the teeth to give patients the feel, look, and function of natural teeth. For a single tooth implant, a screw-like post made from titanium is inserted into the jawbone to function as the artificial root of the prosthetic tooth. A dental crown is affixed to the implant’s head.
Unlike dental bridges, the implant procedure does not depend on other teeth, nor does it require altering their structure. Like a natural tooth, a dental implant can stand alone and function independently. Once the implant integrates with the bone and the crown is attached, it will not shift.
Consultation and preparation
During a meeting with the dentist to decide eligibility for the procedure, they may request an X-ray to get a better overview of the existing jaw and teeth. If part of the tooth is still in the socket, it will need to be removed before the implant placement. The X-ray can also show how much of the bone is available for the implant and if a bone grafting procedure will be required.
Implant placement
Placing a single implant is easy and takes only a short while. Before the insertion procedure, patients will get a local anesthetic to minimize pain. Once the implant is in place, the osseointegration process will start, which takes a few months but is necessary for the bone to fuse with the implant.
Attaching the crown
After implant insertion, the next step is the attachment of the artificial tooth or the dental crown. A temporary crown may be fixed at first before the final crown is ready for attachment. This procedure is simple and hardly causes any discomfort. The crown may be placed immediately after inserting the implant, but some patients may need to wait until the bone heals. Patients will get instructions regarding aftercare.
The dental restoration
After the permanent crown is in place, patients will be able to use their teeth as usual. The implant restoration will act as the natural tooth. An excellent oral hygiene routine is important for oral health and prevents premature implant failure.
Talk to the dentist
If you have lost a tooth, you need to start thinking about replacing it as soon as possible. Leaving a lost tooth can cause other teeth to shift out of place and bone deterioration around the area, which may make it challenging to get a dental implant later. A conversation with an experienced dentist can give you all the information that you need to decide. Book an appointment today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.qualitygentledentalcare.com or call Roman Khodosh DDS PC at (973) 676-2541 for an appointment in our East Orange office.
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