What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular tooth replacement options for patients with missing teeth in the Lehigh Valley, and for good reason. Dental implants have a remarkable ability to be stable, durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking for the benefit of your smile. Read along as we explore what makes this treatment so successful for many patients in your area, and what it can do for your smile as well.
How will the implant be placed?
- First, the implant (small titanium cylinder or screw that looks like a tooth root) is surgically placed into your jawbone where you lost the tooth. Over the next two to five months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site so you do not have a “space” where you are missing your tooth.
- After the maturation process has been completed, the extension on top of the implant is often changed before the restorative part of the case begins. Sometimes, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach this same extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will then be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
- Finally, a porcelain prosthesis will be created for you by Dr. Matt and it will be attached to the implant and the abutment. After this has been cemented in place, you will finally experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.
Osseointegration: What Is It?
Osseointegration is key to the success of dental implants, but you may not have heard this term before. Osseointegration is a fusion process in which the biocompatible titanium material bonds with the organic material (in this case, the jawbone), with a limited to no chance of rejection by the body. It’s why titanium is used so often for dental and medical devices.
In regards to dental implants, osseointegration is responsible for securing the implant to the jawbone. The bone fibers wrap around the implant and bond it to the jawbone like a real tooth, allowing the jaw to heal, strengthen, and in most cases replenish itself, reversing the effects of deterioration.
The Pieces of an Implant
The typical dental implant is made of three pieces, each serving a specific purpose for the implant as a whole:
- Titanium Fixture: This replacement root is the first piece to be placed, and is embedded below the gumline. The gums are then sutured over the site, so that the fixture can take root and trigger the process of osseointegration. (You can read more about osseointegration below.)
- Abutment: The abutment is placed over the fixture, filling in the hollow space and creating a foundation for the restoration to be placed. Depending on your treatment plan, another period of healing may be required before capping it with the restoration.
- Restoration: The last part of the process is the crown, customized by Dr. Lang to ensure that it mimics a real tooth in function and appearance.
Benefits of Dental Implants
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top benefits that patients of ours have enjoyed the most with their dental implants. These aren’t the only benefits, but just the most common ones we’ve heard from positive feedback with our patients.
Longevity
Dental implants tend to last longer than other tooth replacement devices, due to osseointegration and the durable materials. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, dental implants are permanently placed, so they don’t experience the usual wear and tear that these other devices do.
Reliability
Removable dentures can sometimes become loose while eating or talking, but there are no such issues with dental implants. Because of their permanent placement, dental implants patients can eat their favorite foods without worrying about bite pressure or textured foods.
Oral Health Improvement
Osseointegration is the key to dental implant success. It has the added benefit of being able to help the jawbone recover from deterioration caused by tooth loss. Patients have seen notable improvements in their jawbone volume, which also reduces signs of premature aging such as wrinkling or hollowing cheeks.
Natural Look-and-Feel
Our goal is to ensure that your dental implant is indistinguishable from your natural teeth, creating one seamless smile. Dr. Lang will work closely with you to make sure that the crown fits comfortably, is shaded correctly, and functions like a natural tooth.
Learn More About Implants With a Consultation
Are you ready to fill in the gap(s) in your smile? Consider the most popular tooth replacement treatment available: Lehigh Valley dental implants with Dr. Matthew Lang. Castle Dental is ready to answer your questions and get you started down the path towards a complete smile today.
