Even with the best care routine, you could lose a tooth. Whether it occurs due to an accident or cavities, replacing the missing tooth as soon as possible is essential. Thereby, the treatment alternative you choose will have a significant impact on your life and oral cavity health.
Although there are multiple options, dental implants are proven to be the most effective solution. With a 98% success rate, an implant turns into a long-lasting treatment that will improve your smile and restore balance in your mouth.
There are often many doubts regarding implants and the process of getting them. Fortunately, at Bridgewater Family Dental, we are prepared to give you all the information necessary and answer all your questions.
In this article, we’ll explain what dental implants are, how is the process of getting them, and how they work.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the best alternative to restore one or multiple missing teeth. They are special appliances that the dentist drills inside the bone to simulate the tooth’s root, resulting in a restoration that feels highly similar to your natural tooth.
They are made of robust materials designed to withstand the forces in the mouth without breaking or chipping.
A dental implant’s role is to sit a crown or prosthesis on top of it to replace the missing teeth. Therefore, it is vital to understand that the term implant refers only to the element that the dentist places inside the bone and not the restoration on top.
Dental implant materials
There are currently two material options for dental implants: Titanium, the traditional alternative, and Zirconia, its contemporary counterpart.
Both materials are durable and biocompatible, meaning that the risk of suffering an allergic reaction or implant rejection is extremely low.
Each alternative possesses different benefits, and its selection should be made taking into consideration the case characteristics with the help of your dentist.
Types of dental implants
Same as with the materials, there exist different types of implants and are organized into two groups:
- Two-piece system
- One-piece system
Every implant possesses two main components: the implant and the abutment. The abutment is the portion that serves as the base for the crown to sit on, while the implant portion is the one that resides inside the bone.
On the two-piece system, the implant and the abutment are separate elements that are later screwed together. On the other hand, in the one-piece systems, the implant and the abutment are one single piece that cannot be divided. This allows the dentist to sit a crown as soon as the implant is placed. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this alternative.
How do you get an implant?
There are different techniques to place an implant. However, they are all similar, with a few differences.
Firstly, the dentist performs a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation of the case. A CT scan is also required, as it helps determine the best position for the implant.
After the planning is done, the implant surgery is appointed. During this phase, the surgeon makes a small cut on the gum to expose the bone and begin drilling the implant. Once placed, the gums are stitched over the implant, covering it completely, so it can heal properly.
It is essential to wait for between 4-6 months so the implant fuses with the bone and can withstand the crown without any issues.
Afterward, a second surgery is performed to expose the implant and place a special cap called a healing abutment. This helps heal and shape the gums in a biological pattern similar to the natural tooth contour.
Later, the healing abutment is replaced with the proper abutment and a provisional crown once the gums have healed. Allowing the dentist to take an impression for the laboratory to craft the definitive crown.
Lastly, the provisional crown is replaced with the definitive prothesis and the case is concluded.
The takeaway
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They act as prosthetic roots to place a crown or a denture on top, making the treatment feel more natural and similar to the real teeth than other alternatives.
Although the process of getting them is longer than any other option, as it takes months, dental implants are still the best solution for missing teeth.
Furthermore, their high biocompatibility and material resistance turn them into a long-lasting restoration that will help you smile freely for decades.
Bridgewater Family Dental practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry in Bridgewater, NJ, with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers to dental implants, crowns, bridges, and clear braces. Our experts can correct a wide variety of so-called permanent cosmetic dental problems, and can literally redesign your smile!
