Dental implants are one of the most successful implant surgeries in modern medicine.
Advances in dentistry, combined with the skills of an artist, make dental implants look like improved versions of the teeth you were born with. Dental implants make great options for those with significant tooth decay, loss or injury.
With any surgery or procedure, a thorough evaluation of your dental health will occur. The dentist will not only evaluate your mouth visually but will often take x-rays or scans to make a solid recommendation. Sometimes, only a single tooth needs to be replaced while other times a full set of implants will be the end result.
After the exam, the doctor will talk about the replacement options for your tooth or teeth. Size, shape, and color will all be considered for the permanent replacement of your tooth.
A dental implant will replace not only your tooth, but also your root structure. Screw-like devices are placed into the jawbone to serve as a permanent fixture for your crown, bridge or a full mouth of teeth as a denture alternative. One of the things that make dental implants so successful is the osseointegration of the implant to the jawbone. Osseointegration actually means “combine with bone.” The implant and jawbone fuse together to provide strength and stability. The dental implant provides strength not only the implant, but also to the gums and overall facial structure.
With some procedures, the implant is placed and the permanent replacement (crown, bridge or full mouth of teeth) is completed all in one day. Some dentists and patients elect to wait for the osseointegration to occur before the permanent replacements are placed.
Finding the right specialist for this procedure should also be on your list of things to do. You should consider the cost, as well as the number of appointments that will be required. Make sure you feel comfortable with the information you have been provided and fully understand how the procedure will take place.
An annual visit to your dentist for a professional cleaning is necessary as with natural teeth. The dentist will double-check to make sure that your implant is still secure, the gum line is healthy and the implant itself is not damaged in any way during your visit.
