Dental Implants Procedure
A DENTAL IMPLANT IS A PERMANENT TOOTH REPLACEMENT FOR ONE OR MULTIPLE MISSING TEETH… The dental implant procedure is considered one of the most successful tooth replacement procedures available because it so closely replicates the look and function of a natural tooth and tooth root. Because of its durability and attachment to the jawbone, a dental implant can last a lifetime with proper care, as opposed to other tooth replacement options that can wear out over time.
Dental implants are commonly used to anchor a full denture or fixed bridge, in addition to replacing one or more teeth. A consultation with your dental implant dentist can help you determine which dental implant procedure will best meet your needs.
While every dental implant procedure will differ based on the number and location of your missing teeth, the basic procedure is as follows:
Initial Consultation
To find out whether dental implants are the best option for your smile, visit a qualified dental implant dentist. Your dentist will likely take x-rays and assess your overall health, dental health, bone structure, and gum tissue to ensure that your mouth can support dental implants. If you qualify for a dental implant, impressions may also be taken to calculate the exact place where the dental implant will be positioned in the gums. Be sure to discuss local anesthesia and sedation dentistry options with your dentist to make your teeth implants procedure more relaxed.
Dental Implant Placement
After the initial consultation, the next step in the dental implant procedure is the dental implant placement. During the next appointment, your dentist will carefully position a dental implant, or titanium metal rod, at the position where the tooth root is missing. This rod is usually surrounded and covered with gum tissue to allow it time to fuse with the jawbone over several months in a process called osseointegration. The dental implant is made of materials that work naturally with the body, and the bond between the jawbone and dental implant creates an important, sturdy anchor that replicates the strength of a natural tooth root.