What’s Involved in a Dental Implant Procedure?

Even with the advances in dental care that have taken place over the last century, tooth loss is still an issue that many Americans face. For decades, dentures or bridges were the only option available to treat the gaps left by lost teeth. However, that is no longer the case. Modern technology has made permanent fixed tooth replacements possible in the form of dental implants and we’ve compiled a simple and straightforward explanation for what they are and how they work for anyone who has experienced tooth loss and are considering their options.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent root replacements for lost teeth. Made of titanium that will not be rejected by the body, implants attach to the jawbone, which then fuses by growing new bone around it. Made specifically for you to match your natural teeth, dental implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

While bridges and dentures are sometimes the best option, they do have drawbacks. Because there is no secure bond between bridges and dentures, there is an increased risk of them slipping around inside the mouth, which can then make chewing and speaking properly difficult. Ill-fitting dentures and bridges can also cause mouth sores and irritations, and the way they fit can change with age, making periodic replacements necessary.

Dental implants do not have these issues. They are permanent and do not slip or shift. Implants also do not require adhesives and won’t allow food to become trapped underneath. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don’t require the surrounding teeth to be filed down, which better preserves the jawbone. Dental implants are also more durable and very rarely need to be replaced.

The Dental Implant Procedure

So now that you know the benefits of dental implants compared to dentures or bridges, here’s what is involved in the procedure.

Step One

Schedule an appointment with Walbridge Dental for consultation and get a specialized treatment plan tailored to fit your needs. Your dentist will discuss the implant procedure with you at length before proceeding.

Step Two

Begin the procedure. After making sure you are comfortable and pain-free, your dentist will place a titanium root into your jawbone.

Step Three

Rest and heal! You will require 6-12 weeks of healing before proceeding to the next steps.

Step Four

Attach the abutment and crown. Once your jawbone and gums have healed and is firmly holding the new root in place, your dentist will go in and attach an abutment. A crown is then made to match your remaining teeth and attached to the abutment, giving you a permanent replacement to fill in the gap your lost tooth left behind.

Caring for a Dental Implant

While dentures need to be removed, soaked, and rinsed daily, a benefit of dental implants is that you care for them in the same way you do normal teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups, is all that’s required to keep your implants in great shape.

Contact Walbridge Dental

If you are considering dental implants, contact Walbridge Dental. From routine cleaning and exams to advanced restorative treatments to oral cancer detection, the professionals at Walbridge Dental provide complete family dental care to families in the Millbury community. Contact us online to set up an appointment now or call us at 419-836-1033.

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