I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
A dental implant treatment is probably the best way to replace a damaged or lost tooth. Here is a brief overview of what to expect during the treatment.
Dental Examination
This is the first stage of the process where the dentist examines your jawbone and evaluates your dental and overall health. All this is necessary for the dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for the process, and if you want, what is needed to make you one. The first consultation also gives you the opportunity to learn about the process, so you should ask your dentist all questions you have about it.
Tooth Removal
If the tooth that needs to be removed is still occupying its place on your jawbone, or even a fraction of it, then it needs to be removed first. For example, if you were involved in an accident and your tooth got fractured, the dentist has to remove all its traces in preparation for the implant.
Jawbone Preparation
Once all traces of the tooth have been removed, the dentist than has to prepare your jawbone for the implant. This may involve bone grafting if the jawbone doesn't have adequate density or thickness to handle the incoming implant. It may also involve a sinus lift, a procedure needed to insert an implant in a mouth cavity with a thin sinus wall. The dentist will then give the jawbone time to heal before moving to the next stage of the treatment.
Implant Placement
Once your jawbone has been prepared, and it has healed, you will then come to the dentist for the implant placement. The implant is actually a short piece of metal that will act as the main tooth root, taking the place of your natural tooth root. Placement of the implant is a major step in the treatment process, and it needs to heal properly if the treatment is to be successful. The healing process may take a few months after which you move to the next stage.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant is in place and the site has healed, the dentist will then place the abutment. In some cases, especially for those who have strong bones or adequate jawbone density the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant. The abutment is an extension of the implant that acts as a bridge or connection between it and the final teeth restoration. You may require another break, after the abutment is placed, to allow your bruised tissues time to heal.
Final Restoration Placement
Once the abutment is placed and all injuries around the site have healed, the dentist will then take a mold of your teeth and prepare the final restoration. This is the actual piece of the treatment that looks like your natural tooth and is placed over the abutment in such a way that is it the only piece visible.
Contact a dental professional like Abrams Steven.
Share7 September 2018
