Implant Dentistry: A basic understanding of dental implants could save your appearance and chewing ability

photoLife happens. Missing or broken teeth are a common occurrence.

Many patients prefer an alternative to the standard treatment of a bridge or dentures. Consider a dental implant as a solid and cosmetic dental option for your missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

Think of a dental implant as a redesigned tooth and root structure. Picture the solid steel infrastructure of a building under construction.

The foundation is prepared and the solid iron beams are placed first. Once they’re anchored in place the aesthetically designed exterior is added.

The visible exterior delivers the appeal. Even so, the architectural wonder is a complete package from the foundation up.

photo (2)Consider your missing tooth space as the foundation for new architecture – dentally speaking. The available bone structure creates the solid base for anchoring your dental implant.

A titanium post forms the necessary infrastructure. Once it’s surgically placed and adapts to your bone tissue, the new exterior tooth can be applied to design your renewed, attractive look.

Why now is the best time to plan for a dental implant.

Your dental implant treatment is a thorough process. The duration from start to finish will vary patient to patient.

Let’s assume yours is treatment planned around a missing tooth. No extraction is necessary.

Your treatment goal is to replace a missing tooth with a strong, functional new tooth. And an implant is the perfect solution to rebuild your mouth within the coming year.

Your dental implant procedure in four (simplified) steps.

  • photo (1)Step 1 – Consultation and X-rays – schedule your consultation and x-rays to determine supportive bone structure and tissue health.
  • Step 2 – Implant placement and healing period – your implant is placed in the jaw and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Three to six months should be allowed for healing and restoration to occur.
  • Step 3 – Tooth (Crown) Impression – an impression for the crown is obtained to form the new tooth.
  • Step 4 – Try-in – fit, color, attachment and adjustment are determined.

Dr. Spina will guide you step by step along the way. This partnership will assure that your dental implant effectively supports your new tooth, heals appropriately, and creates the aesthetic and function you desire.