Dental Implants The loss of one or more teeth can lead to serious changes in the way you eat and speak. Patients can choose traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures, but these will affect the teeth alongside the empty space. With dental implants, we will not need to involve any other teeth. Dental implants are placed directly into the jaw to replace the natural tooth root. We will need to check your jaw structure before approving dental implant surgery. Wy'East Dental has two dental implant types available, which we can explain more about in your appointment.Dental Implant OptionsThe preferred type of dental implant is the endosteal implant. This uses both the jaw and the gum as a support structure, making it the sturdier of our two options. For patients whose bones are not healthy or strong enough to support endosteal implants, we will use subperiosteal implants. These only utilize the gum for support, so they will function, but they will not be as sturdy. Each implant is shaped the same, resembling a small post. Every implant is made of titanium as well. Dental Implant ProcessThe dental implant process, from start to finish, can take up to around six months. At the initial consultation, our dentist can obtain dental x-rays and provide a visual exam to determine if your jaw can support endosteal implants. If not, there are two options that you have. First, you could get subperiosteal implants. Second, you could get a bone graft or modification to strengthen the bone structure. We generally use either a sinus augmentation, also called a sinus lift, or a ridge modification to do this. Sinus lifts increase the area available for bone grafts, while ridge modifications change the current bone structure. For your first procedure, we will place the implant by making a tiny incision in your gum where the empty space is. We will cut a hole into the bone and place the implant in the hole. We will then close your gums over the dental implant and give it time to heal. This is the longest part of the process, taking several months. At this time, the bone will grow around the implant to give it a form-fitting structure. Once your healing is complete, we will bring you back in so that we can place the abutment. We will reopen the gum and place the abutment before collecting dental impressions. Our dentist uses dental cement, which can solidify under a special light, to attach the abutment to the implant. Dental impressions are used by our dental lab to create a custom restoration. As soon as we receive your individual crown, bridge, or full denture, we can bring you in for placement. Once again, dental cement is used to hold it in place. Recovery and CareWhile healing after the initial implant, you will need to be very careful about the foods you eat. We will explain this in more detail after placement. We can also explain how to care for the crown, bridge, or full denture after we place it. You should treat dental restorations like you treat your natural teeth. For more information on dental implants, call Wy'East Dental at (503) 919-2802. |
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