Dental Implants - Tooth Implant
Maintaining healthy and consistent oral hygiene is crucial in prevent tooth loss. There are several factors that will lead to the loss of teeth such as gum disease, fractured roots, tooth decay, the positioning of teeth as well as any unfortunate trauma that may occur to the teeth and/or jaw. Tooth loss is an issue much more complex than its name. For example, when you lose a tooth the surrounding bone that supported it deteriorates and as a result, adjacent teeth will collapse and invade the empty cavity. Tooth loss can also result in the shifting of remaining teeth, further altering your smile.
In cases where patients experience a loss of front teeth, where the lack of tooth structure is obvious to others. This may cause people to feel self-conscious to the point where they refrain from smiling and laughing in public or even prevent them from attending social events at all. Patients who experience tooth loss in their back teeth may experience difficulty chewing, biting, and eating the foods they love.
In cases of multiple tooth loss, the facial features will be affected resulting in a caved in appearance causing patients to appear older than they really are. In addition, multiple tooth loss will affect the stability of the remaining teeth as well.
Dental Implant Procedure:
There is good news though. Dental implants can not only repair your smile and bite but also help protect the remaining teeth you have to keep your smile radiant. Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are surgically inserted into the upper or lower jaw bone.
The implant will not only replace the missing tooth, but preserve the remaining bone structure by stimulating the bone cells even after the natural tooth is removed. Dental implants will also help to preserve your facial structure to keep you looking your best!
After determining that dental implants are the best choice for you, your dentist will begin your treatment by taking X-rays and impressions of your teeth and jaw to determine the bone height and width, available spacing for the implant as well as the gum tissue.
On your next appointment, your dentist will surgically place the implant into the bone structure. A period of osseointergration, the time needed for the implant to secure to the jaw bone, is crucial to the success of the implant and takes three to six months. If the osseointergration is not permitted to take place, the implant will fail.
During this time, a temporary restoration will be fitted while you wait for the implant to integrate into the bone structure. Once the implant is secure an artificial prosthesis, such as a crown or bridge, is secured to the implant giving the appearance, and function of a natural tooth allowing you to once again smile with confidence and pride!
