Did you know that tooth loss is one of the primary reasons why seniors don’t eat as much as they should? Eaters with missing teeth often find it difficult to properly enjoy a meal, which puts them at risk of developing some pretty serious medical conditions.
Luckily, the dental implant process allows for easy restoration without any issues. But if you’re not an expert in the fine arts of tooth loss and dental health, perhaps this all sounds a bit confusing.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you! Here’s what you need to know about implants in Parkland and the whole tooth loss situation.
Initial Assessment and Evaluation
When Googling “best dentist in my area” leads you to a good choice, the first step in the dental implant procedure is the initial assessment and evaluation. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the mouth and take X-rays to determine if implants are the right option for the patient.
They will also discuss the overall treatment plan and what to expect during the implant placement surgery.
Extraction of the Tooth
The dental implant process typically involves extracting the tooth, placing the implant in the jawbone, and then attaching the tooth to the implant. However, there are a few steps that may be involved in the process, depending on the individual case.
For example, the dentist, as part of proper dental care, may need to place a metal post in the jawbone before attaching the implant. In some cases, the implant may be placed in the gum tissue instead of the jawbone.
Dental Implant Insertion and Bone Grafting
A dental implant is a titanium post (screw) that is inserted into the bone to act as a tooth root. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth.
The screw is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the course of several months. Once the screw has fused with the bone, a dental prosthetic (false tooth) is attached to the screw. The false tooth looks and functions just like a real tooth.
Placement of the Abutment
After the dental implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone, the next step in the dental implant process is the placement of the abutment. An abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the dental implant and protrudes just above the gum line.
Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will take an impression of the abutment, which will be used to create a custom dental crown. The dental crown is then placed on the abutment, completing the dental implant process.
Adding the Permanent Crown
After the abutment is placed, your dentist will take an impression of the abutment in your mouth, along with the teeth around it. This will be sent to a dental lab, which will create a model of your mouth and the abutment.
The model is then used to create a custom-made crown, which will match the color and shape of your other teeth. The crown is placed on top of the abutment and is cemented or screwed into place.
Knowing the Dental Implant Process
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to know what the process entails. The entire dental implant process usually takes several months to complete, but the results are worth it!
If you are ready to take the next step in your smile journey, contact your local dentist to see if you can get dental implants if they are right for you.
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