How Dental Implants are Done?

July 03 10:12 2015 by Mike Morgan Print This Article

Dental implants are used to replace teeth in a situation where the original teeth have been damaged or are missing. They are made of various metals that are set directly into the bone of the jaw. A prosthetic tooth is then attached to the metal post. Metals such as titanium are used and are compatible with the human body eliminating the risk of patient reaction to the implant. The metal post is very durable and implantation of the metal post directly into the jawbone gives the dental prosthesis durability and strength. Dental implants allow the wearer to eat and behave the same way they would with their natural teeth and in some cases are even stronger than the patients’ original teeth. There are several options for dental implants.

For patients missing only a single tooth due to decay or injury there is single tooth replacement. There is minimal downtime for the procedure and it can usually be completed in a few visits. For a single tooth replacement any portion of the existing tooth and root are removed first. If the root and original tooth are already completely gone then the prep to the jaw and gingiva is minimal. A metal (usually titanium) post is then screwed directly into the jaw to act as an anchor to the prosthetic tooth. The prosthetic is then attached to the metal post. The patient can choose a natural looking tooth that looks and functions just like a real tooth. The tooth is ready to eat with immediately.

For a patient missing several adjoining teeth there is multiple tooth replacement. Using implants in this case allows the patient more freedom to eat what they choose and helps prevent bone loss that is associated with missing teeth. These allow patients to maintain the shape and appearance of their natural jaw line. This procedure would also require several visits to determine the best placement and to prep the jaw. The posts for the implant are then placed in the jaw. Both posts are usually placed during the same visit. The dental bridge is one piece made of all the missing teeth in the area. It is anchored to the posts once it has been determined that the posts are sturdily rooted into the jaw. The amount of time will vary depending on the health and age of the patient but is usually a month or two. Once the prosthetic is anchored the patient cares for the implant the same way they would normal teeth. The result is permanent.

Dental implants can be an option for a person missing all of their teeth as well. Unlike a set of false teeth the wearer is able to chew and speak as they would with natural teeth without being concerned about slippage. It also prevents the sunken look that the face takes on when teeth are missing. During the consultation the dentist will determine the best placement for the implant and determine the sizing of the prosthetic. Once the placement sites are determined a series of posts are set into the jaw to act as anchors for the tooth prosthesis. After a few months the posts should be set in the jaw. This can take two to three months, again depending on the health and age of the patient. The prosthetic for this procedure is a single piece with all the teeth for either top or bottom. When the posts are ready it is attached to the implanted posts and can take several visits to completely attach. The procedure is permanent and once completed will require the same dental visits and brushing as natural teeth.

For some patients an implant procedure known as all-on-4. This is for patients who have lost all or who are losing all of their teeth. This procedure is for patients who are already suffering from bone loss that would make it difficult to place posts for a regular prosthetic. It avoid having to use bone grafted from other parts of the patients body since some patients are not healthy enough for a bone graft. The prosthetic bridge piece is set on four metal posts that are anchored into the existing bone. The result is permanent and takes far fewer visits than the traditional arch replacement.