Dental Implants If You Have Tooth Loss

Dental implants are used primarily to replace lost teeth. The procedure may be a bit expensive and entails several sessions before getting the end results. A tooth surgeon is necessary to do the procedure and not just any dentist is certified and qualified to do this.

The Procedure
The operation initially starts with a consultation with a surgical dentist regarding the oral cavity and its condition. Usually, the patient has a missing tooth which he or he wants to replace. Not all patients are qualified for dental implants, which is why the dentist needs to assess the condition of the oral cavity and the jawbone around it.

Certain factors will affect the decision whether they can be used to support the replacements. Among these factors are the suitability of the entire oral cavity for the procedure and the replacements. The overall health of the remaining teeth and that of the mouth in general should be good before the procedure is approved by the dentist. Another factor is the stability of the bone where the supporting structure will be placed. Good, stable bone is necessary to hold the supporting structure. If the bone is not healthy or is prone to health issues, it may not be a good idea to put it up in the first place.

After the assessment of where the supporting structure is to be placed, the doctor will set a schedule for the operation. The patient may need to take some antibiotics beforehand to prep the body for the invasive procedure. A slit or flap is made on the gum of the missing tooth. This flap will enable the surgeon to excavate a hole and expose the bone where a titanium rod will be placed. In some sessions, depending on the dentist, the rod is punched directly onto the gum and bone. This rod is made of titanium because it is a substance that is least rejected by the body. Depending on the result of the initial operation, the dentist may opt to place a temporary tooth to cover the rod and protect the gum. The dental implants may be placed permanently after the initial operation has healed. In some favorable cases, the placing of the replacement tooth may be done at the same time as the insertion of the rod. The replacement tooth is made of materials that mimic the look and feel of real teeth. It is may be made of ceramic or composite depending on what was agreed upon between the dentist and the patient. Many surgeons favor this option because it shortens the recovery period and lessens the sessions. A shorter recovery and lesser sessions mean that there are little complications to worry about and that the procedure is a success.

This is one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth because it is a permanent solution. Dental implants do not need to be taken off regularly and cleaned like dentures. They also look very much like your natural teeth that people will not suspect that they are replacements.