Advances in dental care have allowed patients to gain access to a broader number of treatments. For example, if you have missing teeth, your only options back then were dentures and bridges. But today, patients have more options to remedy missing teeth, including dental implants.
– Dental implants serve as replacements for tooth roots. Implants may then be used as foundations or anchors for either fixed or removable replacement teeth.
– They work like natural teeth. A natural tooth is comprised of two main parts: the crown that is visible, and the root that is positioned on the jawbone.
– Implants are also composed of two main parts. The first part mimics the appearance and function of the tooth’s crown. The other part mimics the function of the natural tooth roots.
– Implants may be fabricated out of either titanium or titanium alloy. Both materials are accepted by the body and do not cause infections.
Overview of treatment
Initially, a cylindrical or tapered post is surgically placed into the jawbone. After a patient heals, the implant fuses with the natural jawbone. The implant will then serve as the foundation of the replacement teeth.
After healing, an abutment or small connector is installed on top of the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the replacement teeth. After that, individual teeth, a bridge or dentures are attached to the abutment.
How implants are placed
First, our Abilene dentist Dr. Bob Leedy will administer anesthesia. Once you are sedated, she will begin surgically placing the titanium posts, the number of which depends on the number of teeth that will be replaced. A single implant can fully support one crown while a complete set of dentures may require four to six implants.
After successfully placing the implants, you will be given ample time to heal and recover. At this time, you will need to wear temporary restoration. Healing often takes place somewhere between three and six months. This is enough time for the implants to fuse with the bone. You will also be advised to go on a soft diet.
During the recovery period, Dr. Leedy will create a model of your mouth based on previously taken 3D images. This model will be used for the design and fabrication of your new restorations. The model will then be sent to an offsite lab where your restorations will be fabricated.
Once your implants are fully healed, you will need to undergo a second surgery where the abutments will be installed. After installing the abutments, your new restoration will also be installed.
According to many patients who have undergone this treatment, they felt very little discomfort. Some have even compared the procedure to tooth extraction.
Dental implants have a success rate of 98 percent. Your success rate will depend on where on the jaw the implants will be placed. Overall, implants have a high success rate as well as durability.
