Tooth loss can occur for many reasons … a traumatic event, dental decay, gum disease … or teeth may never have erupted correctly. Whatever the reason, missing teeth can impact speech, diet, and self-confidence. A wonderful solution that is as close to your natural dentition as possible is with dental implants.
The process for implant dentistry begins with a consultation with your dentist. Your overall health will be discussed to make sure you can qualify for the procedure. A thorough dental exam will follow complete with x-rays to determine bone strength where the implant is to be placed.
Lack of sufficient bone will not disqualify you as there are different procedures that can be implemented to augment bone, if needed.
Once the patient is ready for the dental implant procedure, the titanium implant will be surgically embedded in gum tissue where the tooth is missing. Titanium is the metal of choice as it has been proven to resist rejection by the majority of patients; and bone will fuse to titanium so thoroughly the implant will become a permanent part of the dental anatomy. This process of bone fusing to metal is known as osseointegration.
As the surgical area heals and bone is fusing to the implant, the patient will be instructed how to keep the area clean to prevent infection. In addition, the patient will be cautioned not to use tobacco in any form as infection and smoking are the leading causes of implant failure.
When healed, the implant will be uncovered and an abutment will be attached to the implant. The final restoration will be tried in for fit and function. Small adjustments can be made at chairside, if needed. The process is completed by cementing the cosmetic restoration to the implant that will have been fabricated to match surrounding teeth in size, shade, and contour.
The patient will have a tooth that is so close to your biological teeth, no one will be able to tell.
The patient will be able to eat all the foods they love – nothing is off limits. In addition, you can laugh, smile, and speak without fear of slippage … your self-confidence is totally restored as tooth loss is a thing of the past. Caring for your implant is no different that what you already do for all your teeth.
Contact our team at BC Perio to discover your options.
