Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue; they affect how a person eats, drinks, and breathes. Dental implant surgery, performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), is the most permanent solution available for missing teeth as the implants integrate directly with a patient’s jawbone.
What Are Dental Implants?
Depending on a patient’s needs, a single implant could replace one or more teeth. Two or more implants can serve as a stable support for the replacement of multiple teeth. A dental implant restoration is composed of these three parts:
- A titanium implant that fuses to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
- An abutment, which is the portion of the implant that rises above the gum line.
- A crown fitted atop the abutment to give the appearance of a natural tooth.
After the implant is placed by an OMS, it takes time for the titanium to fuse with the jaw. Once the implant is stabilized, a restorative dentist takes an impression of the upper and lower jaws to make a model from which the needed crowns are created. Some implants may be eligible for immediate provisionalization or loading:
- Immediate Provisionalization – When the missing tooth is in a very visible area, a temporary crown may be placed at the time of surgery. This crown is for appearance purposes only and should not be used for chewing or biting.
- Immediate Loading – Patients with adequate bone to support the implant may be eligible for immediate loading, which is the placement of temporary or permanent crowns at the time of surgery or very soon afterward. This allows for a patient to return to a more normal diet sooner.
Full osseointegration can take several months but once complete, the dental implant will be as sturdy as the original tooth. Dental implants do not slip or make noises the way dentures can, nor do they require replacement the way a dental bridge might. Knowing tooth replacement with a dental implant requires not only the implant but also one or more crowns, some patients may be concerned about the cost of dental implants, but it is important to recognize the value of a potentially lifelong replacement for lost teeth.
Article Courtesy of AAOMS, https://myoms.org/
All procedures performed at Pottstown Oral Surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. Click here to learn more about us.