Teeth Implants- A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth?
A missing tooth is more than just a gap in your smile because it can also cause pain, difficulty chewing and speaking, and other dental problems. Additionally, missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration because the body reabsorbs the alveolar bone.
Bone loss can lead to the dropping of the facial muscles. It is crucial to have your teeth replaced to preserve your dental integrity and appearance. Several teeth replacement options can restore the missing teeth, like dental bridges and dentures. However, consider getting dental implants near you if you want a permanent teeth-replacing solution.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal fixtures surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace missing teeth. They are a permanent dental solution for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay. The teeth implants are made of titanium, and they provide a sturdy base for replacement teeth.
Teeth implants are becoming more popular because they offer many benefits over dentures, bridges, and other traditional replacing missing teeth. For example, Implants can be permanently fixed in place and do not need to be removed at night.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are usually an option for healthy patients to undergo a routine extraction or oral surgery. However, you need to have enough bone density to hold the implant, as well as a commitment to good oral hygiene.
Is a Bone Graft Always Done in a Dental Implant Procedure?
No. The only time our dentist in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, will recommend a bone graft is when you have an insufficient bone graft. Bone grafting stimulates new bone growth and makes it strong to hold a dental implant. The grafting procedure involves taking bone granules from your body or a cadaver and fixing it to the jaw to promote new bone.
How Are the Dental Implants Fixed?
Getting dental implants in Santa Margarita, CA, is done in steps, and it can take several months.
- Comprehensive assessment
Our dentist will begin by examining the gums, jawbone, and teeth to check if you are a candidate for the implants. He will also make a medical and drug history to determine if anything can interfere with healing. The dentist will take you through the dental implant procedure and what you can expect when the implants are fixed.
If a bone graft surgery is needed, it will be done at this point before the implant procedure.
- Fixing the implants
The dentist drills the jaw bone to fix the titanium screws and stitch the gums to facilitate healing. It will take a few months for the gums to heal and be ready for the abutment.
- Placing the abutment
A dental abutment is a connector placed by your dentist into your new implant, typically done once the healing phase is complete. The abutment screws into the implant like a post and securely holds a fake tooth (typically referred to as a crown) in place. Your dentist will fabricate an abutment from materials like titanium, gold, stainless steel, or zirconia. The abutment placement procedure is minimally invasive and can often be done with local anesthesia to numb any potential pain.
- Fixing the dental crown
The dentist will cement or screw the dental crown to complete the procedure and give your implants a natural experience.
How Are Dental Implants Permanent?
The dental implants undergo a process called osseointegration. This is when the implant interlocks with the alveolar bone, giving a strong support base. Furthermore, it will stop bone loss effectively, unlike the other teeth replacement options.
How Long Does the Teeth Implant Procedure Last?
The placement of the dental implants takes about one to two hours for each implant placed. After this step is complete, most dentists wait about four to six months before the final restoration of the tooth replacement.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Jordan and Pham Dentistry for more information about dental implant procedures and what you can expect.