Dental Implants
A dental implant is the base of a synthetic tooth, that is set directly into the jawbone of its recipient. Teeth implanting procedures are typically performed on a patient who has experienced tooth loss due to injury, or is suffering from conditions that undermine supportive tissue. Since dental implants join with the jaw, the patient avoids the loss of bone commonly encountered by those who wear dentures. There are two kinds of implants currently in use: endosteal, which are screwed straight into the jawbone and subperiosteal, adhered to the surface of the bone with the prosthetic tooth attached. Once installed, implants work just like regular teeth, and can remain in place for the duration of the patient's life.
First Steps
Gum tissue surrounding the area to be implanted is expanded, uncovering the underlying bone. If the jaw has deteriorated to the point where operating is beyond reason, however, a bone grafting may need to be done before implantation is possible. A drill is used to create a cavity specifically sized to fit the prosthetic. The implant is then set, and the gums are stitched.
Waiting Period
Once the implant is in place, the patient must actually wait for a time anywhere between three to six months before the next steps of the procedure can begin. During this time gum tissue is healing, and the jaw is unifying the implant with its very structure through a process known as osseointegration.
The Post
Once supportive tissue is sufficiently healed, a post is joined to the implant that will bolster the forthcoming crown, the portion of the tooth seen above the gum line. Properties are imbued within the post that will help give the prosthetic a translucent appearance, similar to that of natural teeth.
Final Step
A crown, which has been previously molded to resemble the existent teeth, is then slid onto the post and firmly settled into place with a dental cement. Dental implants can take the place of one tooth, support partial bridges that restore several teeth, or uphold a full bridge to replace all teeth.
