When a tooth has been extracted, the gap left afterward should be filled with a synthetic tooth to prevent bone resorption, which can alter the structure of the jaw.
Dental implants are a popular singular or bridged tooth replacement option and are one of the many restorative procedures Robert J. Malone DDS has to offer.
Dental implants could be for you and have many benefits over dentures and dental bridges. Talk to one of our dentists to discuss what procedure or implant would best suit your individual needs.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants boast the most natural-feeling synthetic tooth of all the restorative procedures. Dental bridges can have wires glued to the back of teeth, while dentures have plates that can often feel alien in the mouth, whereas dental implants are just like natural teeth rooted seamlessly into the jawbone.Dental implants very rarely become compromised, unlike root canals that can, on occasion, need another procedure to replace them. This means they last an incredibly long time, 25 years, meaning once the procedure is done, you do not have to feel any concerned about it.
A Permanent Solution to Missing Teeth
Dental implants are non-removable, which means they are not prone to the same type of damage or loss in the same way a denture would be. The implant makes the tooth or crown's placement, in the mouth, resilient and strong. The root is the source of the implant's strength, and indistinguishability, as there are no external components that would otherwise give it away as a synthetic tooth.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
There are three parts of the dental implant, the implant itself, the tooth abutment, and the crown.
The placing of all three usually takes two appointments, but this varies depending on the availability of both the dentist and the patient, and how difficult the procedure is. The viability of your jaw, for the dental implant surgery, must be assessed, as jaws that are not dense enough cannot have an implant placed.
In this case, patients will first need a bone graft to be placed and fully fused with the surrounding bone, which adds months to the treatment plan.
Dental Implant Procedure
In the first appointment, a hole is drilled into the bone and the dental implant is placed. This takes between 30-90 minutes, depending on the difficulty of the procedure and how many implants you are having placed. Measurements are taken for a custom-fit crown, and a temporary one is placed on top. Over the next couple of months during the healing period, the dental implant will fuse properly with the surrounding bone and create a strong base for the abutment, if it has not already been placed, and the permanent dental crown.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
We strive to ensure a comfortable experience for our patients, accommodating individual needs with a range of sedation options available. Our expert team is dedicated to providing a seamless and pain-free procedure, leveraging advanced techniques and personalized care to alleviate any discomfort.
Dental Crowns
The custom-fit crown is made in a dental lab, using CAD/CAM technology. When the dental implant is secure in the jaw, we can then place the abutment and crown in the second appointment. The abutment is a connector between the implant and crown. The custom-fit crown will fit comfortably in the dental arch and is often made from porcelain or resin. Other options are available for crown material.
Dental Implants in Escondido
Robert J. Malone DDS wants to accommodate your next dental implant surgery or crown placement. Contact us at (760) 546-5557 to book your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Longevity really depends on overall health, lifestyle, and oral hygiene practices. Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining dental implants.
How Do I Care for my Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants involves maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to ensure the implants remain healthy and functional.