Dental ImplantDental implants are prosthetic replacements for a missing tooth. They are fixtures planted in the gum line and into the jawbone that fuse together over time. When you lose a tooth either prematurely due to trauma, injury, tooth damage, or through an extraction, a dental implant is advised to replace and improve both functionality and appearance. A dental implant mimics the natural tooth root's function, feel and look, and has great stability without affecting the surrounding teeth. Most dental implants are made of titanium as they can easily integrate into the bone tissue. There are two types of dental implants: endosteal (in the jawbone) and subperiosteal (on the jawbone). Visit us at RJ Dental to receive a long-lasting, natural and aesthetic look with dental implants. What to expect before a dental implant procedureConsultation and planning appointments usually set the pace for the dental implant procedure. The dentist will examine your mouth and the area where you are missing teeth. X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging will be used to get a clearer picture of your oral structure. This process is necessary to assess the condition of your jaw in quality and quantity to determine whether more bone is needed in the region. Once it is established that a dental implant may be placed in the desired site, you may be schedule for your dental implant surgery.  In many cases, the patient must go through a tooth extraction procedure before receiving dental implants, unless the tooth has already fallen out or been removed. During extractions, local anesthesia is typically used to ensure patients' comfort. An alveolar bone graft, in some cases, might be placed to achieve a solid foundation for the implant, especially in cases where bone tissue is not enough, and an onlay bone graft for cases where there is a missing tooth but not enough bone. The patient has to allow the site to recover for about two to six months before the implant is placed. For patients that do not require additional bone, the implant is placed on the same day the tooth is extracted. What happens during and after a dental implant appointment?During the placement appointment, a titanium post is placed in the bone, a healing cap placed over the implant, sutures are placed, and the patient is given time to heal. A temporary denture may be placed on the site to achieve a natural appearance during this period. The healing time, which is two to six months, allows the titanium implant to fuse with the bone. Regular appointments with the dentist are needed to ensure a smooth healing process.  After the healing time, the dentist will check the implant to determine its successful integration by the jawbone and then will connect a prosthetic module abutment to the implant. The abutment serves to hold the crown in place. A mold or impression of the abutment is taken to enable the custom-making of the implant crown to ensure it fits. This crown is then fixed to the abutment via cementing it into place. Visit us at RJ Dental or call (551) 369-2001 to book an appointment or seek more information from our dental professionals. |
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