What are Dental Implants?

When you are missing one or multiple teeth, it is common to struggle with feelings of self-consciousness, or to be hesitant to smile or open your mouth in public. In addition to negatively impacting your self-esteem, a missing tooth or teeth also puts you at an increased risk of developing other oral health issues, including shifting teeth, periodontal disease, and potentially the loss of additional teeth.

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, or if you are currently wearing dentures or dental bridges and are dissatisfied with them, dental implants may be right for you. Dental implants are artificial teeth surgically placed in your jaw using titanium posts, abutments, and crowns. Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth and are generally placed into one of two categories:

• Endosteal (in the bone): The most common type of dental implant, endosteal implants include blades, cylinders, or screws surgically placed into the jawbone that hold one or more replacement teeth.
• Subperiosteal (on the bone): Metal framework posts that poke through gum hold this prosthesis in place. Typically used for patients who have minimal bone height or cannot wear conventional dentures.

How are Dental Implants Placed?

The dental implant process will begin with a general examination to determine the underlying cause of your lost tooth or teeth. If there are underlying oral health issues, these will need to be addressed prior to placement of the dental implant. It will also be necessary to perform a diagnostic exam to determine if you have an adequate amount of jawbone to support a dental implant. This initial consultation will also include a review of your medical history to determine if there are any underlying conditions that may inform the treatment plan, and whether it is necessary for you to take antibiotics prior to the surgery to reduce your risk of infection.

The dental implant process begins by pulling back the gums around the missing tooth. Once these are pulled back, we will drill a small hole into your jawbone in which the titanium post will be placed. This post will act as a stand-in for your natural tooth root. Once this post is placed, your gums are sewn back shut and the osseointegration process can begin.

Osseointegration is the process where your natural bone fuses to the titanium post, which can take anywhere from three to nine months to occur, depending on several factors, including your body’s natural healing process. Once osseointegration is complete, it will be time to install the abutment, after which the gums will be sewn shut once more and allowed to heal for one to two weeks. Finally, the crown is attached the to the abutment and your bite is tested to ensure there is proper alignment. Following this, the dental implant process will be complete.

Maintenance for Dental Implants

Dental implant maintenance is no different than maintenance for your natural teeth. To preserve the overall health of your dental implant and remaining natural teeth, brush and floss your teeth twice daily and continue to schedule regular dental cleanings at least every six months or more, if you have or are more susceptible to periodontal disease.