Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.
Missing teeth can have an adverse impact on your overall health and well-being in addition to your self-esteem. Even missing teeth that are not noticeable to others can affect your facial muscles and jaw. Since teeth work together to help you chew, even one missing molar can have a negative impact on your ability to speak and eat comfortably.
If your jawbone breaks down and your facial muscles shift, the entire shape of your face can change. Additionally, with the gap in between teeth, the surrounding teeth can shift causing issues such as tooth grinding, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.
The insertion of dental implants involves outpatient surgery conducted through several stages. Healing time between procedures is required. The steps for placing dental implants are:
It takes months to get through the entire dental implant process. A lot of that time is spent allowing bone growth and healing. In some instances, certain steps can be integrated. This is dependent upon how much bone growth is necessary for your mouth.
When placing the implant, the dentist cuts the gum open to reveal the bone and then drills holes into the bone. The implant's metal post is placed into the hole in the jaw. This post acts as the root of the crown and is therefore implanted deep into the bone.
After the implant post has been placed in the jawbone, your dentist allows time for the bone to grow and merge into the post. This process is lengthy and often requires several months to form a sturdy base for the crown.
The abutment is the piece that will attach to the crown. To place an abutment. the dentist reopens the gum and attaches the abutment to the dental implant. The tissue is then sealed around the equipment but not over it. This is to allow the new tooth to be attached properly after the gum has healed. The healing process takes around two weeks for most patients.
After all of the other prep work, your mouth is finally ready for a crown. The artificial tooth is screwed or cemented onto the implant abutment. Care for your dental implants the same way you would care for your natural teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Allendale Charter Twp, MI
Though the dental implant process is long and cumbersome, it is worthwhile to chew comfortably again. Continue to see your dentist regularly to keep all of your teeth in working condition.
Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…
According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are stable because the jawbone grows around them. This process is known as osseointegration, and it is essential for the success of an implant. Several elements can affect this process, and patients undergoing the dental implant procedure should understand what affects an implant fusing to the bone.…
Tooth loss can be caused by injury, disease, or tooth decay. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be an option for you.Dental implants are metal posts that resemble screws. The posts are inserted into the jawbone of the patient to replace the tooth roots of missing teeth. The implants can…
When the smile is missing a tooth or three, a general dentist may recommend dental bridges to restore its appearance and functionality. Even a single missing tooth can cause difficulties with eating and speaking. It also leaves room for the remaining teeth to shift, leading to a misaligned bite. While traditional and implant-supported dental bridges…
A dental bridge can fill your dental gap and restore your smile. Research shows that tooth loss is a common problem among adults. The dentist will discuss the different types of bridges with you on consultation day. Here are the different dental bridge types you should consider.There are no dental crowns necessary for this type…