Whether due to poor oral health, an accident or simply age, our adult teeth are not as permanent as we’d like them to be. However, through the advancements of technology, we have found a solution in the form of dental implants.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
They are metal posts that are screwed into your actual jawbone. Once secured, they provide an anchor for dental prosthetics like crowns. With good oral health care habits, they can last for as long as 20 years.
THE PROCESS
Because the implant will go into the jawbone, the site needs to be examined to determine if there is enough healthy bone to handle the implant. This will be done through X-rays and other assessments. If the dental surgeon feels that the bone can handle the procedure, it will be scheduled.
Sometimes, there is a decayed tooth that will need to be extracted before the implant can be inserted in place of it. A bone graft may then need to be placed to act as a base for the implant. If this needs to be done, the patient will have to wait until the site is completely healed before the next part of the procedure can start. However, if there is enough quality bone available, an immediate implant can occur.
A titanium implant or post is used. A cap is then placed over the post and the gum is stitched. A temporary denture can be placed while the site heals, which could take up to six months. Once healed, an abutment is screwed onto the implant. This will act as the anchor between the implant and the eventual replacement tooth, which will be screwed or cemented onto the abutment.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
- An almost permanent solution to tooth loss
- Increased level of comfort as opposed to removable dentures as they are fixed in your mouth
- More confidence when eating and drinking as you won’t have to worry about your dentures falling out
- Might be seen as more convenient than removable dentures as you won’t have to worry about separate cleaning routines or adhesives
If you live in the Stillwater, OK area and are thinking of having dental implants, kindly contact our office and schedule an appointment to determine if this is the right option for you.
