If you’ve lost a tooth due to an accident, injury, or extraction, dental implants can help replace it. This procedure gives you a permanent, natural-looking tooth that works just like the real one.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a metal post that’s fixed into your jawbone. If you’re considering this treatment, searching for dental implants near me can help you find a qualified specialist in your area. This post acts as the tooth’s root and holds the artificial tooth (called a crown) securely in place. It’s a better and more long-lasting option than dentures or bridges, which can move or feel uncomfortable.
Unlike bridges that need support from nearby teeth, implants stand on their own and don’t harm healthy teeth. The final result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
When Is It Used?
Dental implants are used when one or more teeth are missing. They’re ideal for people who want a strong and permanent solution rather than removable dentures. Implants also help if you’ve lost bone support because of gum disease.
Before placing the implant, your dentist will remove any damaged teeth and check if your jawbone is healthy. If the bone is too thin or weak, a bone graft may be done to create a firm base for the implant.
Steps of the Procedure
- Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays or 3D scans, and review your medical history to make sure implants are right for you.
- Preparation: If needed, bone grafting is done to build up the jawbone so it can hold the implant securely.
- Surgical Placement: The dentist makes a small cut in your gum and drills a hole in the bone to insert the metal post. The gum is then stitched and left to heal.
- Healing Time: Over the next few months, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This makes the implant strong and stable.
- Abutment Placement: After healing, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. It serves as the link between the implant and the crown.
- Crown Attachment: Finally, a custom-made crown is fixed on top of the abutment. The crown is designed to blend seamlessly with the color and shape of your natural teeth.
One-Stage vs. Traditional Method
In the traditional method, the process happens in two stages with several months of healing in between. In the one-stage method, the implant, abutment, and temporary crown are placed in a single visit. However, this faster method may carry a slightly higher risk of complications.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants restore your smile, improve your bite, and prevent your other teeth from shifting. They also keep your jawbone healthy and help maintain your facial structure. With proper care, implants can last for many years and feel just like natural teeth.
