Dental Implants, The Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss

Dental implants are artificial replacements to compensate for tooth loss. Many people are self conscious if they have lost teeth due to injury or disease. They are sometimes unable to speak or smile comfortably. Also, if their bite is irregular it can lead to other complications such as malnutrition.

Tooth loss might be due to trauma of the mouth, excessive wear and tear, congenital defects or gum disease. Regardless of what the cause of tooth loss is, dental implants are usually the best solution for them.

Implant Procedure

The implant procedure is the same whether one or all teeth are missing. Your dentist will make sure you are a candidate for the procedure and use the right type of anesthesia so you will be as comfortable as possible. First, the dentist will conduct a through examination of your teeth and gums which might include x-rays and or ct scans to see if you have enough bone and gum tissue to conduct the implant. When there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a Dental Implant procedure?

A good candidate will have the following:

• Commitment to taking care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums with daily brushing and cleaning
• Regular checkups and professional cleanings
• Otherwise healthy
• Good healthy gums
• Enough bone to anchor the implant to the jaw

Procedure Steps

1. Placing the Implant

When the dentist is sure you are healthy and a candidate for this procedure; the bone area where the implant will be placed is exposed by opening the gum tissue. Once healthy bone material has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant. A small hole is made where there is no tooth in order to put the titanium screw that will hold the implant in place. The dentist must be very careful not to damage any vital nerves of the jaw and face when drilling this hole. Also, mini implants which are smaller diameter implants might be used. Once the bone is prepared the implant is placed on it and the tissue is then sutured closed.

2. The Healing Process - Osseointegration

The healing process usually lasts three to six months. This is the amount of time it often takes the implant to heal and fuse or become part of the jaw, commonly referred to as osseointegration. Osseointegration is very important for the implant to work. If osseointegration does not occur the implant will not be successful. The sutures however are usually removed, seven to fourteen days after surgery.

3. Attaching the Post

When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant. This is the support for the new porcelain crown. Today's technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to be sure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.

4. Placing the Crown

A temporary crown might be used to allow the gums to shape and grow around it. After impressions are taken a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented. The final prosthetic crown appears just like a natural tooth.

5. Caring for the Implant

If you are diligent in the care of an implant it can last up to more than 40 years. You must go to all the follow up appointments and have professional cleanings done. Careful brushing and flossing are also very important to make sure the implant does not fail or get infected.

Schedule an Appointment Today with Dr. Moretta, our dental implant specialist in Huntington Beach, CA - Call (714) 848-4247