Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
What Are The Steps Of Dental Implant Surgery?
Eleanor Crawford
There are multiple tooth-replacement options, but dental implants are the most durable because they use your jawbone for support. You can ask about single implants, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures. If you would like to know more about dental implant surgery, keep reading.
Extraction
If you have a damaged, dead, or severely decayed tooth, you may need an extraction. Most general dentists perform simple extractions. However, if the dentist must make an incision to access the tooth, you may need to visit an oral surgeon. Teeth may need incisions if they:
- Haven't fully erupted or erupted at all
- Don't have enough crown tissue
- Are impacted
- Have long or abnormal roots
Bone Graft
Depending on your situation, you may need a bone graft before the implant procedure. Since the implant uses the jawbone for support, the jawbone needs to be strong. Unfortunately, tooth loss causes the jawbone to shrink.
Your dentist may place a small bone graft immediately after pulling the tooth (socket preservation), but if your teeth are already gone, you may need ridge augmentation. The dentist may use your own bone (from another part of your body), synthetic bone, or cadaver bone for the graft. Finally, if your upper back teeth have been missing, your facial sinuses may have dropped. In this case, you'll need a sinus lift graft before the implants can be placed or they will penetrate the sinus.
Implant Placement
The titanium implant looks like a large screw, and the dentist places it into the jawbone. As the area heals, the jawbone tooth tissue fuses to the titanium metal, which makes dental implants so durable. However, in turn, the implant also promotes a healthy jawbone, preventing further atrophy. During this time, the gum tissue regrows over the implant, and you must wait for the entire area to finish healing.
Abutment and Crown
Finally, once the implant is solid and durable, the dentist cuts open the gum tissue to access it. They use an abutment to attach the crown. Since the crown is made of porcelain, it looks like natural tooth tissue. The crown is also resistant to stains.
If you have missing teeth, you're not alone. Many Americans hide their smiles, but you don't have to any longer. Dental implants don't just look great, but they are also durable and promote jawbone health. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist who offers implants today.
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