If you’re currently missing one or more of your own natural teeth, it is time to consider a dental implant. If you’ve heard of dental implants and don’t know what they are, you’ll be surprised to find out that they are a relatively permanent solution to missing dentition. The implant is embedded deep into the jawbone during oral surgery. Over the course of a couple of months, the implant’s titanium rod will fuse with the bone. This allows it to become a solid and sturdy part of the jaw. You can then have a new restoration made for the actual implant, and it’ll be placed at a later time.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most of our patients are good candidates for dental implants. In order to be considered a candidate for the procedure, we will examine your teeth and mouth as well as take x-rays. The area that is meant to receive the implant needs to have enough bone in order for the implant to heal. If there isn’t enough bone, the implant will become loose and may even break over time. This can cause pain, tenderness, swelling and even damage to the surrounding area. If you do have bone loss in the area where the implant will be placed, we will recommend having a bone grafting performed. The bone grafting helps to build up this area and prevents the implant from becoming loose.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
The procedure will involve placing a titanium implant into the bone of the jaw. This is done by making an incision through the gums and then creating a thin, tunnel-like crevice into the jaw itself. The implant is inserted into this hole and it is given time to heal. Most patients will find that their implant integrates with the surrounding bone in just about three to six months. This time will vary depending on your unique ability to heal. You will find that your brand new implant is a great way to replace the teeth that you are missing. It will last for decades and won’t be something that you will have to worry about repairing or replacing at some point down the line.
If you would like to learn more about the dental implant process, call us today so that we can get you in for an appointment as soon as possible.