New Dentistry Advancements Make Tooth Replacements Unnoticeable

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Dental implants have become very popular in the last several years. They are a great way to replace missing teeth. Surprisingly, there are a number of people who are missing a single tooth, or in other cases, multiple teeth and no one even knows it. In the past, these teeth were replaced with a bridges or some other type of removable device. Today dental implants make the process easy and practically invisible.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium inserts placed directly into the jawbone and then a bride or crown is built to attach it to the implant. The implant looks, acts, and feels exactly like your own natural tooth.

Is a Dental Implant Right for Me?

To determine if implants are right for you, you will need to consult with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This is done in a variety of ways. These may include X-rays and computer tomography scans (CT scans) to make sure there is enough bone structure to place the implant on and to see exactly where the implant should be placed.

Based on the condition of your oral tissues and your oral hygiene and personal habits, your dentist will advise you if dental implants are the right choice for you. Some patients with insufficient bone or gum tissue may need bone or soft tissue grafts, and possibly the use use of small diameter implants. These are sometimes also called “mini implants.”

Placing Your Dental Implants

You might be able to immediately receive your implant and other restoration work at the same appointment. Or, these may be done over several appointments to allow the proper healing where restoration work is done. This is particularly true if there is extensive work done, such as placing new tissue or bone grafting.

Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of “osseointegration.” This process is where there the anchorage of the implant is rooted to the bone and jaw. This type of implant can take 3-6 months to properly anchor and heal before the artificial prosthesis is attached and the process is complete.

To prepare the jaw for the implantation, a small diameter hole is drilled in an area of the jaw where there is no tooth to guide the titanium screw that holds a dental implant in place.

Next, the small hole in the jaw is slowly widened for the placement of the implant screw. Once in place, surrounding gum tissue is secured over the implant and a protective cover screw is placed on top to allow the site to heal and for the anchor to be firmly rooted. After this process is complete, your dentist will attach the device that will ultimately hold the implant. Then a temporary crown is created and serves as a template so the gums will grow and shape in a natural way. The process is finally complete when the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown.

Today's dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. With modern technology and great advances in dental technology, no one needs to know if you have an artificial tooth. The process is relatively simple and painless and can be done in a matter of days or months. Ultimately, you will be left with a tooth you are proud to call your own.