Implant Evolution: Redefining Dental Restoration
Is tooth loss distressing you? Are you experiencing drifting of the adjacent teeth into the edentulous space? Fret not! Dental implants are advanced, and innovative treatments that help replace your missing teeth permanently.
Implants offered at the dental clinic in Lansing, MI are state-of-the-art prostheses with increased durability and longevity. Read on to learn more about the procedure involved in the insertion of dental implants.
An introduction to dental implants
A dental implant is a prosthesis that is available as a screw-like post, surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. The implant mimics your missing tooth roots to provide a strong base and anchorage to false or artificial teeth in the form of crowns, dentures, or bridges. The implant post is often made up of a titanium alloy that osseointegrates with the jawbone naturally.
A detailed procedure involved in implant placement
The surgical insertion of an implant involves the following steps:
- Initial oral evaluation
- Your oral surgeon will record your medical history, and social habits, and discuss the medications being taken.
- Then a comprehensive oral examination will be conducted to determine the condition of the edentulous space and the underlying jawbone. Evaluation includes oral X-rays to study your bone thickness and volume.
- Tooth extraction (if required)
- If you have any tooth remnants, your dentist will extract them under local anesthesia (a numbing agent) to minimize pain and discomfort.
- The extraction site may be left to heal for some time or your dentist may decide to insert the implant immediately after extraction.
- Inserting the implant
- Your dentist will begin with an initial incision or cut on your gum tissues (using local anesthesia), to raise a flap.
- Once the flap is raised, the underlying jawbone will be exposed.
- This is followed by drilling a hole in the jawbone using ultrasonic instruments to create space for implant insertion.
- The implant is inserted, and then the flap is repositioned and sutured.
- The implant is allowed to fuse with the jawbone and left to heal for a period of 4 to 6 months.
- Abutment placement
- Once the surgical site heals, and the implant is stable enough, your dentist will place an abutment over the implant. This is a part of the implant that connects the post to the permanent restoration.
- Your dentist will then provide a healing cap to prevent the tissue and bone from growing over the abutment.
- Placing the permanent restoration
- After the gums heal, your dentist will provide artificial teeth in the form of crowns, dentures, or bridges.
Bottom line
Currently, dental implants are the most preferred permanent teeth replacement solution and offer several benefits. Though the procedure may be complicated, time-consuming, and costly, it’s worth the hype!
