The process of getting a tooth implant might differ slightly between patients because of the different stages that might be followed. When you get a consultation at your local dental clinic, your dental practitioner will present you with a treatment plan, cost estimate, and timeline that details the steps that will be followed in your dental implant procedure. In this article, we are going to explain ‘how does a tooth implant work’ and what you might expect from your experience.
Dental Implants: What Are They And How Do They Work?
Dental implants are small anchors or screws that are designed to replace missing tooth roots. They are surgically embedded into your jaw during a dental implant procedure and, once they have stabilised, will support a dental crown.
Dental implants are made out of titanium or zirconia, which are bio-compatible materials that are well tolerated by the human body. Over a period of four to six months, your jaw bone will grow around the dental implants and through the pin holes present to integrate the implants as if they are part of your body.
How Does A Tooth Implant Work: The Steps In A Dental Implant Procedure
The first part of a dental implant procedure begins with a dentist that offers consultation. The dentist will look at your teeth, take some x-rays and ask you questions about your medical history to establish if you are a suitable patient for dental implants. If you are, he or she will prepare a treatment plan that details all the steps that need to be taken to replace your missing teeth, as well as a cost estimate and timeline.
Tooth extractions
If the damaged or decayed tooth is still in your mouth, your treatment plan might start with a tooth extraction. Swelling is likely to take place after extractions, so you may need to wait around 10 weeks before you have your dental implants placed.
Bone grafting
If your jaw is too soft or too thin to support dental implants, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. During this procedure, bone graft material is placed in the cavity of the missing tooth to stimulate bone growth.
Placing your dental implants
Dental implants are placed under local anaesthetic. Your dentist will make an incision in your gums and drill holes into your jaw bone. The implants are screwed into the holes, and your gum will be stitched up.
The abutment or extension is a connecting piece that will support your dental crown. Its placement requires your dentist to reopen the surgical site before stitching it up again.
You can expect to go through another healing period.
Fitting your dental crown
The final stage in your dental implant procedure is the placement of your dental crown. This is the visible part of your tooth that other people will see when you smile.
So, How Does A Tooth Implant Work?
Essentially a tooth implant’s job is to replace missing tooth roots. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement treatment that can replace tooth roots and offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. The function of the tooth implant is to provide a stable foundation for your dental crown so that you can use the same amount of force on your restored tooth as with your natural teeth.
What Are The Benefits Of Tooth Implants?
The biggest benefit of tooth implants is that they can stop bone loss in your jaw. Unlike other tooth replacements, which replace a missing tooth above the gum line, dental implants stimulate the jaw, so it doesn’t lose volume. This means that the adjacent teeth will not drift and loosen.
While dentures might move around when you speak and eat, a dental implant is a permanent structure that becomes integrated with your body. It provides an anchor for a dental crown so that it feels, functions, and looks like the other natural teeth in your mouth.
How Effective Is A Tooth Implant?
Even though tooth implants require surgery and the procedure can take a few months to finalise, they are permanent and can last for the rest of your lifetime with good oral care. They are predictable in terms of their clinical outcomes: have a success rate of up to 98% and have been used since 1965.
For professional input on ‘how does a tooth implant work’ or to book a dental consultation near you, please contact us: (02) 9158 6379.
REFERENCES
Dental Implants
https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm
Dental Implants
