Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for people who have lost one or more natural teeth due to an accident or dental disease. Our dentists can replace a single tooth, several consecutive teeth, or all-natural teeth with dental implants supported by titanium posts that serve as roots for the artificial teeth.
The Three Parts of a Dental Implant
9) Each dental implant contains an artificial tooth, which is also known as a crown. The crown is the only part of the implant visible above the gum line. Dental implants also include a small titanium ‘root’ that a dentist secures in your jaw with a dental drill. The piece that holds the crown and titanium post together is called an abutment.
If you are only missing one natural tooth, our dentist places the titanium root, abutment, and artificial tooth in the gap left by your missing tooth. When you have several missing teeth in a row, they may make a bridge or dental partial that can snap into the implants.
People who no longer have any natural teeth can receive a full set of teeth, by placing about 2 or 4 dental implants supported by posts in the jaw. These posts can rest a snap in denture or a screwed in denture on the implants. All on 4 is a common name for this procedure.
During the second appointment, a dentist provides you with a numbing anesthetic before installing the titanium root(s) that supports the abutment and crown/or denture to ensure that you remain comfortable. You then wait several weeks for your jaw to heal and for the post to fuse with your remaining bone in the jaw, a process called osseointegration.
The Dental Implant Procedure and How to Prepare
Getting dental implants typically requires at least three appointments. During the first appointment at Orn Family Dentistry, our dentist takes several X-rays of your jawbones and any remaining teeth. You can also view various shades of artificial teeth and select the one that comes closest to the shade of your own teeth.
Since it takes a while for your customized artificial teeth to come back from our laboratory, we can fit you with a temporary replacement tooth or teeth if you would like. The crowns come attached to a retainer, and the experience would be like wearing dentures.
During the second appointment, our dentist provides you with a numbing anesthetic before installing the titanium rod that supports the abutment and crown to ensure that you remain comfortable. You then wait several weeks for your jaw to heal and for the post to fuse with your remaining jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Once sufficient healing has taken place, you come back for the final appointment, where our dentist attaches the abutment and crown. You should brush and care for your teeth like normal to help your new dental implants last for a lifetime.
