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Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming more and more popular. Implants are a cosmetically pleasing way to replace natural teeth that are missing or have been extracted.
Who are Candidates for Dental Implants?
There are many factors to consider. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she is a good candidate for dental implants.
Benefits
- The implant will, over time, bond with the bone.
- The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
- Implants are aesthetically pleasing.
- You’ll be pain-free when talking or eating.
- Progressive bone atrophy will be prevented.
Procedure
Teeth have two main parts; the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that’s below the gum line. A dental implant acts just like the root for your new tooth.
The first step in the procedure is to surgical install the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist screws the implant into the jawbone. There is usually no significant discomfort with this procedure. The tissue is then sutured closed. This process can take from one to three hours depending on the number of implants being placed.
Then begins a three to six month waiting period. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called “osseointegration.” A temporary crown will help you chew and will enhance your cosmetic appearance while we wait for osseointegration to take place.
The next step in the process is to attach something called an “abutment,” or attachment point, to the implant. We’ll re-expose the area and attach the abutment to the top of the implant. The abutment is a post that sticks up from the gum line, and very soon it will support the final crown.
Next, an impression is taken of the area where the new crown will be attached. Using this impression, a dental technician at our lab will craft a beautiful new crown for you!
During your final visit to our office, we’ll securely attached the new crown to the abutment. Your new tooth will look and feel like the real thing!
How Long Does an Implant Last?
Many implants have lasted for 30 years, or longer! The better you take care of your implant, the longer it will last.
Do Implants Require any Special Care?
Not really. Just brush and floss around the implant as you would your normal teeth.
Is There Any Chance of Rejection of the Dental Implant?
No. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a material that’s perfectly compatible with the human body.
To watch a short video about dental implants,
click the play button.
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