Typically, when someone has incurred serious traumatic injury to the mouth, had a tooth fail to erupt or suffered tooth loss to decay, they will visit their dentist for a diagnosis of treatment. If your dentist recommends a dental implant, you will get a referral to a dental specialist. In most cases, this will be a periodontist, oral surgeon or a prosthodontist. The specialist will examine your dental history and X-rays to make sure you don’t have some type of systemic condition that will interfere with a dental implant. If that clears, then molds of your mouth will be taken to create a dental implant that will fit properly.
What are the Pros to Getting a Single Tooth Implant?
The main advantage of getting a single tooth implant versus a fixed bridge is that a bridge requires alteration to perfectly healthy teeth to support the bridge. This alteration can cause the jawbone to deteriorate in some cases. A single tooth implant, not the other hand, is implanted directly into the jawbone and acts as a root, which helps to preserve the jawbone.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a metal device that is surgically inserted into the jaw to replace a tooth or multiple teeth. The implant consists of three parts:
The Surgical Process – Phase 1
Initially, the specialist will use local anesthesia to numb the part of the mouth the implant will be inserted into. This makes the gum tissue easier to work with so that the implant can be properly seated into the jawbone. The gum tissue is then put back into position and sutured to cover the implant anchor. This is a multi-step surgery so it will require several visits and time to heal in between.
The Surgical Process – Phase 2
Again, anesthesia is applied to numb the area and peel back the gum tissue to expose the recently implanted anchor. The abutment will be attached to the anchor, and the gum tissue sutured back to original position around the implant with the abutment exposed. A cap is placed over the area to allow the gum tissue to heal. This can take up to 2-4 weeks. Once the healing is complete the cap is removed and the abutment is uncovered.
The Surgical Process – Phase 3
The dentist will have the crown made to specifications, and then attach it to the abutment. Once everything is securely in place, the dentist will advise you caring for your new implant.
Caring For Your New Implant
When caring for your implant keep in mind it is important to keep plaque from building up around the implant. Make sure to practice proper dental hygiene on a daily basis. Also, do your best to keep up with regular cleaning appointments with your dentist. Always let your dentist know if an implant is causing any pain or discomfort.
Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is the leading the way in dental restorations with advanced tech and implant procedures. Contact us for a free consultation on single tooth or multiple teeth replacements using dental implants.
