If you’re currently missing one or more of your teeth, you may be looking for a way to transform your smile without compromising any more of your natural teeth. Rather than wear a partial denture, an implant can be placed to work on its own. Implants are designed to replace the root system as well as the crown of a missing tooth. This allows the implant to act as a foundation for other types of restorations, like crowns and bridges. Some patients will even use multiple implants to hold their denture in place, preventing the need for adhesive strips or gels.
Understanding the Technology Behind Implants
Implants are often made out of surgical-safe titanium. This titanium has been used in other procedures and prosthetics for many years. During surgery, the implant’s post is inserted into the jawbone and given time to heal. The healing process takes anywhere from three to six months. During this time, the implant undergoes a process known as osseointegration, which means that it will fuse naturally with the jawbone. This ensures that it is a solid and stable part of your smile for life.
Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?
Because implants need healthy, solid bone to fuse with during the recovery process, patients should be free of any areas of bone loss where the implant is needed. To determine if you have bone loss, we’ll take x-rays and perform an examination. If it’s found that you do have bone loss, it is important to consider having a bone grafting done prior to the implants being placed into the jawbone. This can prevent the implant from becoming loose, which may cause it to fail over time. However, it is important to remember that the majority of our patients who want or even need a new implant can safely have the procedure done without needing additional surgeries or treatments.
What Can Be Expected During the Implant Procedure?
The procedure involves carefully inserted and embedding an implant into the jawbone. While the implant is healing, you will come in for regular checkup visits. We can check on the new implant to make sure that it is healing properly. Once fused with the bone, we will make a restoration that fits perfectly over the top of the new implant.
If you would like to learn more about how implant technology works, call us today so that we can help to answer any and all of your questions.
