How an Implant Specialist Can Help Replace Missing Teeth

When you receive dental implants from an implant specialist, you are basically replacing your tooth roots with metal posts. These dental posts function similarly to screws for prosthetic teeth. Implants are unique compared to bridges and dentures in that they operate and appear like natural teeth.

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants

The type of implant required, potential allergic response, and jawbone quality all affect how the implant specialist performs the dental operation. Patients may need multiple dental operations to ensure that the bone heals and integrates around the implant. This process may take some time, but it will ensure that the new tooth is well supported.

Initial assessment

The dentist will do a thorough evaluation to select the best dental implant technique based on the jawbone. This process often involves X-rays, impressions, and color selection.

Depending on the patient’s oral health status, they can decide the number of teeth to replace with implants. The dentist will also go through the patient’s medical history and medicines. To avoid infection, they may recommend antibiotics before surgery depending on the patient’s condition.

Dental implant placement and bone grafting

A patient may not require a bone graft if their jawbone is sturdy and thick enough. Since chewing induces a lot of pressure, the jaw has to be strong, and the bone must be sturdy to safeguard the implant. If the jaw needs an additional bone graft, it is usually taken from a different part of the jawbone, away from the implant region.

After a graft, patients may need to wait for the bone to heal before undergoing implant placement. The implant specialist will place the implant when the bone has healed. The jawbone will begin to develop around the implant after placement. After that, the implant integrates with the bone. This procedure might take between three to nine months, depending on the individual.

Abutment placement

The dentist will install an abutment on top of the implant after it has integrated with the bone. The implant is connected to the crown via this component. The abutment must be tightened so that it stays intact when eating. Except for a slight pressure, patients will feel nothing during this operation. The dentist will numb the region with a local anesthetic.

Since the abutment extends beyond the gum line, it is sometimes possible to install it at the same time as the implant. It will show when smiling, so the dentist will try to hide this section. The dentist will apply a healing cap to prevent tissue and bone from developing over the abutment.

Connecting the tooth prosthesis

The dentist will create a dental prosthesis after the gums have healed. Patients have the option of having a detachable or fixed implant restoration. A fixed implant cannot be removed to be replaced or cleaned. It is either permanently bolted into the abutment or cemented in place.

Final note

You should speak with an implant specialist to ensure that you get all of your questions answered and understand the treatment. To arrange an appointment with a dentist for dental implants or other dental treatment, contact the dental office.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

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