What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a fixture embedded within the jawbone and replaces natural teeth by supporting a prosthesis, such as a crown or a removable or fixed denture. After the placement of dental implants, bone formation occurs in the implant’s surroundings, resulting in firm anchorage and stability of the artificial tooth.
Whether you currently wear full or partial dentures, or need to replace one or more missing teeth, South Main Dental can give you replacement teeth that look, feel, and function as naturally as your originals.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The success and excellent durability of dental implants is dependent upon their ability to form direct contact with the surrounding jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration and ensures that any prosthesis placed over the implant remains retained and stable, thereby restoring the artificial tooth’s optimal functioning.
Who Should Get an Implant?
In general, any person who has one or more missing natural teeth is a candidate for an implant. You should consider getting an implant if you want a long term and durable replacement for your missing teeth, if you want to restore your facial esthetics by having your missing teeth replaced, if you want to eat and speak without any difficulty, or if you want to get rid of your inconvenient and uncomfortable dentures.
What Happens During the Tooth Implant Procedure?
Generally, treatment is a three-part process that takes several months. Our professionals may provide treatment or you might be referred to a specialist, such as a periodontist, a prosthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, for all or part of the treatment.
In the first step, our professionals surgically place the implant in the jaw, with the top of the implant slightly above the top of the bone. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissues and other debris from entering.
The gums are then secured over the implant, where it will remain covered for approximately three to six months while the implant fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration. There may be some swelling or tenderness for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication usually is prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup, are often recommended during the healing process.
In the second step, the implant is uncovered, and our professionals attach an extension called a post to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Once healing is complete, the implant and past will serve as the foundation for the new tooth.
In the final step, our professionals make a custom artificial tooth, called a dental crown. It’s size, shape, color, and fit will blend in with your other teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post.
Success Rate for the Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant success is dependent on the quality and quantity of the bone available, as well as the the patient’s oral hygiene. The success rate of dental implants is 95-98%.
Dental implants are the next best option to your natural teeth. Say goodbye to your dentures and start enjoying the convenience and comfort of dental implants by talking with our professionals about the possibility of getting dental implants. For additional information regarding dental implants, call our team, South Main Dental at (662) 586-2311 today.