What Can an Implant Dentist Do?

Of all the frustrating dental problems to be had, tooth loss is a high-ranking concern. Pearly whites are lost because of disease, decay, injury and general wear. It's important to address this issue because without a balanced set of teeth, you may have trouble eating, talking and maintaining your appearance. Thankfully, an implant dentist can help you address this challenging obstacle.

First of all, let's talk about what a dental implant is. It is a metal post used to replace the tooth root; the replacement tooth is attached to the implant. They are typically made of titanium. Modern dentistry has progressed to the point where the results are very natural looking and feeling. This is a great option for those who either can't or don't feel comfortable wearing dentures or bridges.

The first step is a consultation. You'll need to visit a licensed professional to check out your oral situation. You may need to have X-rays or CT scans taken or other methods of examining your bone structure. Bone density, shape and size are observed to determine how to best insert the new insert. Preparation and careful planning are extremely important to this procedure. Those with healthy gums and bone structure are the best candidates, but as with all medical procedures, each individual is examined and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If a person is determined to be a candidate and chooses to move forward, the next step is developing a plan of action based on the patient's individual needs. A dental surgeon usually performs this procedure in two stages, but can—in some cases—have their work complete in a single session. If the replacement tooth or teeth are an immediate consideration after an extraction, the dental professional has to determine how soon to replace the extracted tooth or teeth. In the case that there isn't adequate bone structure, a patient may need a bone graft or replacement. The implant needs something to be attached to!

To begin the procedure, the implant dentist will drill a tiny guide hole in the spot on the jaw where the titanium screw will be inserted. This is the equivalent of inserting a tiny nail on a wood beam as a precursory action to drilling in a heavy-duty screw. The surgeon will then slowly insert the titanium implant and follow this by actions that will encourage a healthy healing process. After several months, your dentist will then attach a crown or other structure to allow the gums to adapt to the upcoming "new tooth." This process is generally referred to as "fitting" or "seating" and can take a few months to complete. It is extremely important that patients follow their doctor's orders for hygiene and care. Infected jaws are not fun.

In conclusion, an implant dentist can provide immense relief for those with missing teeth. It is simple but concise procedure best left to a certified, experienced professional. It is worth considering due to the fact that a full set of teeth contributes to patients' health and confidence.