If you have lost teeth as a result of oral infections, disease, or accidents, you should think about dental implants. Having gaps between your teeth impacts your teeth negatively. You might struggle with such issues as a sunken-in face because of bone resorption, or the surrounding teeth growing and shifting towards the gap that has been left by the missing tooth. At Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC, we recommend dental implants as a viable tooth replacement option. Our dentist will do a thorough dental inspection and determine a treatment plan for you going forward.
The Dental Implant Procedure
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the dental implant procedure is long and thorough, but this is the reason why it is such an efficient procedure. The first step is typically a comprehensive dental exam to determine the extent of the damage to the area. The dental exam, which will likely involve imaging tests like x-rays, will also determine the nature of the bone in the area.
Before the actual implantation, the dentist will have to remove any damaged teeth or perform a bone graft to strengthen the area and improve the chances of the implant fitting in strongly. After the bone graft or tooth extraction, then the area must be allowed to heal before the implant process continues. When it comes to the actual implant procedure, the dentist will start by numbing the site to ensure you are comfortable during the implantation process.
Once we set the implant into the jawbone, we allow for about three months so that it heals and bonds with the bone. During this wait and recovery period, you might get a temporary tooth or crown covering. This makes it easier to chew and bite, but also protects the site as it heals and waits for the more permanent crown to be placed onto the implant.
The final crown placement involves the creation of an accurate tooth impression done through 3D scans that serve as a model to guide the fabrication process. These impressions are then taken to the lab where the final crown is made. Our dentist will cement the final tooth to an abutment or connecting piece.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a wide range of benefits to your oral health. First, they improve or restore the form and function of your smile. They are a more permanent solution compared to removable dentures or bridges. The mouth can get sore and tender from wearing dentures. Dental implants, however, not only look and feel like natural teeth but also allow for pain-free chewing.
A further advantage of dental implants is that they prevent bone loss and stop the process of resorption, which is the gradual disintegration of tooth and jawbone mass. Furthermore, they might last for several decades and are therefore a long-term option for tooth loss. Proper care and maintenance can extend the useful life of prostheses for an indefinite period.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you have questions pertaining to dental implants, call Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC today at (601) 264-2424 to schedule an appointment. We will look into your case and see what treatment best suits your needs.
