If one or more of your teeth are missing, there are some ways to replace them. An alternative option to bridges, partials or complete dentures may be dental implants. Implants are used to restore missing roots and sustain artificial replacement teeth. They are comfortable and look like natural teeth.
A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to restore the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is added to the implant. The implant then serves as an anchor to keep the replacement tooth in place.
If you are in good overall health with healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to support an implant, you might be a candidate for dental. If your jawbone has shrunk or is not developed normally, you may be able to have a bone graft to strengthen up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone.
Dr. Hassanein will thoroughly examine your mouth and take x-rays of your head, jaw, and teeth to find out if dental implants are appropriate for you.
The first stage of surgery, Dr. Hassanein will insert a dental implant into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. Once complete the gum tissue sutured back into place. As it heals the implant bonds to the bone and attaches to the gum, taking several months to heal.
The second stage of surgery once the tissue is healed, Dr. Hassanein will attach an abutment to the implant. An abutment is a post connecting the replacement tooth to the implant. In some cases, the first and second stage of implant surgery may be combined in one single stage.
Once the artificial replacement tooth is made, it is attached to the abutment. It may take numerous appointments to fit the replacement tooth to the abutment properly.
Whether replacing several teeth or all of your teeth, there is a fixed bridge that will be anchored to your dental implants. A bridge is a dental rehabilitation device that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning an area that is missing teeth. The bridge is kept securely in place by dental implants on each side of the missing tooth or teeth.
Since dental implants are placed in the jawbone, the artificial replacement teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. Just like your real teeth, implants need to be kept clean using a toothbrush and floss. Dr. Hassanein or one of our hygienists will discuss with you the correct way to clean implants. Routine dental checkups are essential, so we can make sure that your bite is right and that your implants are not loose.
Several visits to Dr. Hassanein may be needed until the process is complete. Checkups will be scheduled at Village Dental during the following year so we can be sure your implants are working properly. You will need to take excellent care of your implants.
