When you lose one of your permanent, adult teeth, you have two choices: either live with the missing tooth or get a dental implant. The latest technology for dental implants has made them virtually impossible to tell apart from the other teeth, which has also made them a far more appealing choice than before. Since the implants are meticulously connected with the patient’s living bone, it not only ensures that the implant is fully functional, but all enhances its natural appearance.
If you are considering a dental implant, the following is what you can expect from the procedure.
The dental implant screw is typically composed of titanium. The dentist will create a small hole in the jaw where the tooth should be, all while carefully ensuring that the hole will cause no jaw damage as well as ensuring that the placement will allow for the implant to integrate with the bone. Once the dentist finishes the hole, he must then expand it for the screw and place a protective cover over the screw to allow it to heal and properly anchor to the bone.
Implants can be placed in one dental visit, but it does take some time for the dental implant to fully integrate with the bone (process called “osseointegration”). As it sounds, this process involves the root of the dental implant successfully integrating with the jawbone. This often takes three to six months, and once the implant is fully incorporated with the bone tissue, the next step is the dental crown to cover the implant.
However, there is always the risk that osseointegration will fail, and the dentist will have to take plan B measures to repair the dental implant or even replace it.
Be sure to go over all the dental implant information, procedure and recovery details with your dentist before agreeing to the implant. If you are considering one (or more!), do not hesitate to contact our Frisco office to make an appointment today!