As kids, we might have looked forward to losing a tooth. A lost tooth meant we were growing up and meant a visit from the tooth fairy. But as adults, a missing tooth can present both cosmetic and dental problems. When a tooth falls out due to decay, old age, or an injury, there are a few different dental solutions to consider. One of the most common choices for replacing a lost tooth or teeth is to get implants. In this article we will go over the dental implant process, advantages of implants, and implant repair.
How Are Dental Implants Installed? (Step By Step Guide).
A dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone and acts as a replacement for the natural roots of your teeth. Because they are installed into your jawbone the implants do not slip or move and they can’t cause damage the way a dental bridge or dentures potentially could. A dental implant procedure usually involves the following.
In some cases an implant is planned for when a tooth needs to be extracted due to damage or decay. In these instances, the first step of the procedure is to remove the damaged tooth to make room for the implant.
In some cases a jawbone may not be thick enough or is too soft to support a dental implant. In these cases, bone grafting may be necessary to strengthen the area around the implant. The process of chewing puts a lot of pressure on our teeth and jaws, it is vital that an implant can support this pressure.
A dental implant has two main pieces; the false tooth that sits above the gumline and the post that sits under the gum line. During your procedure the post will be surgically installed into your jawline under your gums. The metal post is designed to replace your tooth’s root. After the procedure a temporary denture may be placed for appearance while you wait for your jaw to heal and fuse with the post.
After the implant post is installed the nearby bone will heal and fuse with the dental implant. This process can take a few months. During this time you might wear a cosmetic denture to cover the gap between your surrounding teeth. Once your jawbone has fully healed you can return to your dentist to have the
Once your jaw has healed, you will return for your second your visit. The second procedure is less invasive and involves attaching an abutment to the implant post that connects to the dental crown. The dental crown is designed to look and act as a replacement tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages compared to other tooth replacement procedures. As mentioned above, an implant is designed to mimic not only the missing tooth’s crown but also the root. This can prevent teeth from shifting and changing your bite alignment. Dental bridges and traditional dentures do not replace the tooth’s roots the way an implant does. Because of this dental implants last longer, prevent deterioration of your dental structure, and act as better replacements for missing adult teeth.
Dental Implant Repair
While dental implants are designed to be long-lasting solutions for a missing tooth, they can still get damaged just like your normal teeth. If you need a dental implant repaired, you will need to go to a dentist that provides implant installation and repair services.
Learn More About Restorative Dental Procedures in Lewiston
If you live in Lewiston or the surrounding towns and have questions about dental implants or other restorative dental procedures, we would be happy to answer them for you. Simply give us a call or message our team and we will be in touch.
