Many patients with broken or missing teeth have considered dental implants as an option to help them restore confidence in their smile, while at the same time providing more permanence and stability than other alternatives. If you are in that situation, perhaps you've wondered: "Are dental implants safe? What is involved in the process of placing an implant? And what benefits do dental implants bring?"
Let's consider the answers to those questions; but first of all we need to know: what exactly is a dental implant?
A dental root implant is like an artificial tooth root, shaped like a screw. After it is set into your jawbone, the implant bonds with your natural bone, thereby providing a stable foundation for supporting an artificial tooth, known as a crown.
This combination of the root implant and the crown is known as a dental implant. It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have dental implants, and that number is growing every year.
Generally speaking, placing dental implants is a low-risk surgical procedure. Any patient healthy enough to have a tooth pulled, or undergo other forms of oral surgery, can be eligible for dental implants. Most patients who have received dental implants report that there is very little pain or discomfort resulting from the surgery; in fact, most patients say that the placement of an implant is less painful than undergoing a tooth extraction!
What is involved in the process of dental implants, from start to finish? The first step is for you and your dentist to tailor an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Once it has been confirmed that a dental implant is the best option, your dentist will carefully locate the targeted point of placement in your jaw for the implant.
Many dental offices use traditional X-rays to gather this information; at Dr. William Linger's office, Dr. Linger uses 3D Cone Beam CT imaging and the newest and most advanced combined with implant placement system available, the X-Guide.
Once the precise location in the jaw has been targeted, the actual surgery begins. The root implant, which is a small titanium post, is inserted into the bone socket of the missing tooth. Although this does involve some surgical cutting, dental implant microsurgery, such as that performed at Dr. Linger's office, greatly reduces the size and severity of incisions.
Over time, as the jawbone heals from the surgery, it will gradually grow around the root implant, thereby anchoring it to the jaw, like a socket anchoring a pedestal to the ground. This process is known as osseointegration.
Typically the entire healing process takes 12 weeks or less. In some cases, the dentist may want to place the artificial crown on the root implant in a separate visit, after osseointegration has been fully accomplished. In other situations, the dentist may decide to implant the artificial root and tooth on the same day.
There are several benefits that come from dental implants, including the following:
At Dr. Linger's office, we are committed to providing our patients with the absolute highest quality of care and comfort. We know that a trip to the dentist is not always easy, especially when surgery like dental implantation is involved.
Because of that, Dr. Linger takes great care to ensure his patients are always comfortable, well-informed, and relaxed. If you are in need of dental implants, or any other type of general, cosmetic, or reconstructive dentistry, reach out to us today. Let us provide you with the world class care you deserve.