How Dental Implants Are Placed
Dental implants are a common way that dentists replace missing teeth and restore smiles. You may not be familiar with how this process works, so it would be helpful to understand the benefits of implants. There are many benefits to this treatment, but it involves a few invasive surgeries and some challenging recovery. On the bright side, the results can allow you to eat normally again and have a long-lasting solution to your oral health and cosmetic concerns.
Why people need dental implants
Teeth are meant to last a person’s lifetime. Unfortunately, disease or accidents can result in tooth loss. Living without teeth can affect a person’s health and self-esteem. One of the leading causes of tooth loss occurs because of poor oral hygiene. When a person fails to brush and floss properly, tooth decay can follow. Untreated, decay can cause bone loss, making the teeth become loose.
Some people may seek dental implants because they have suffered an injury. This can happen from a hard blow to the face in fall or another impact. Biting into an object can also knock out teeth. Implants are a good long-term solution to filling in these gaps.
The importance of bone growth
Dental implants require a strong jawbone in order to work properly and withstand daily use. Patients who have suffered bone loss may need a bone graft before getting the implants. The grafts can come from other bone sources in the body or from artificial means. With enough bone, the implants have a solid anchor and foundation.
Placing the posts
The first part of the process involves inserting titanium posts deep into the jawbone. The dentist will first numb the patient with a local anesthetic. Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist makes an incision in the gums. Then, the dentist drives the screw-like implants into the bone. This surgery may involve placing one or multiple posts, depending on how many teeth the patient is replacing. The patient will then spend the next few months healing, and the posts and bone will fuse.
Placing the abutments
Once the bone and implants have successfully fused, the patient will return to the office. The dentist once again numbs the patient and cuts into the gum, exposing the tops of the implants. Smaller pieces, called abutments, will attach to the posts. The dentist will leave the abutments exposed, and the patient will heal before coming back for one more procedure.
Placing the crowns
Lastly, the dentist will put crowns on top of the abutments. These will resemble real teeth. The dentist will fabricate the crowns out of ceramic or porcelain to be the desired size, shape, and color. The crows will allow the patient to bite into most foods while the implants provide a strong bite force.
An effective way to regain your smile
If you are missing teeth, there is a way to restore the function of your mouth. You can also spare yourself the embarrassment and feel like being in social settings again. Dental implants are durable and have a long life span. If you have healthy bone in your jaw, you could be a good candidate for this treatment.
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