A dental implant is a common permanent tooth replacement option that can be highly beneficial to a patient’s health and happiness. The following are important questions for patients to ask an implant dentist regarding the procedure prior to treatment.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are permanently placed in the jaw bone to provide a sturdy base for replacement false teeth. Implants are a treatment option for patients who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, as well as teeth that are damaged beyond repair. They are an alternative to traditional dentures and have become an increasingly popular option in recent years.
Patients who are dealing with missing teeth need to have them replaced as soon as possible. Bone loss in the jaw happens quickly following tooth loss, which can greatly alter the appearance of the face. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth begin to shift around the empty space. This shifting can result in misaligned teeth. Patients may also have difficulty with eating and speech.
An implant dentist starts by doing a thorough exam and may take X-rays and impressions of the teeth. If there is a diseased or damaged tooth still present, it will be removed. A hole is drilled into the jawbone and the implant is placed.
Osseointegration, the process in which the bone fuses to the artificial root to make it strong and stable for the replacement tooth, then takes place over weeks or months. After the jawbone has completely healed and fused with the implant, a connector known as an abutment is placed. Finally, the replacement teeth are attached to the abutment.
Dental implants are an effective tooth replacement procedure due to the ability to stimulate bone growth in the jaw and prevent bone loss. Implants have a natural look and feel, as well as the ability to function like real teeth. Patients with dental implants are able to speak clearly and eat normally, which can lead to greater self-confidence in social settings. Compared to traditional dentures, implants do not fall out and are generally found to be more comfortable. With proper care, dental implants are long-lasting and durable.
The total average healing time for dental implants is usually around four to six months. This is mostly due to the osseointegration process as it takes time for the bone to properly fuse to the implant.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Implant Dentist in Albany, OR.
Dental implants are a wonderful tooth replacement option that provides a healthier and beautiful smile. An implant dentist can help restore a patient's smile and confidence.
Request an appointment or call Elm Street Family Dental at 541-393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
An implant crown is an artificial tooth that is used as part of the dental implant process. The implant crowns can be used for restoration or even a full tooth replacement, depending on the patient's needs. They have grown in popularity and been proven successful over the last few years. However, one question that has…
Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are transparent aligner trays that are considered an aesthetic alternative to traditional braces. They are produced from medical-grade thermoplastic material. The aligner trays put pressure on the teeth in critical areas to move them in the right direction. Teeth straightening with clear aligners can include up to 30 trays,…
If you’ve ever broken a tooth, then you’ve likely had a dental crown put on. What you may not know is what exactly a crown is and how they are used by the dentist. The crown itself is a very versatile dental application that works to restore the shape of a tooth as well as…
Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are transparent aligner trays that are considered an aesthetic…
A dental crown is used for a few different things depending on the needs of…
The smile makeover process may include one or 10 appointments, depending on the patient's desires…
Cosmetic dental services can help create positive changes to your teeth, improving the aesthetics of…
The ideal place to go for treatment when you have a dental emergency should be…
Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator…
