There are a number of ways people loose teeth. Some lose them due to advanced tooth decay. Others lose them due to trauma (injury). Still others lose teeth as the result of gum disease. It's important to replace them, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because the bone of the jaw may otherwise begin to deteriorate. One of the strategies dentists use to replace missing teeth is to install dental implants.
An implant is a device used to replace the root of a missing tooth. It is screwed into the jawbone, and held there securely by the bone, which fuses with it. A crown, denture, or bridge is placed over it. The artificial root provides more stability than a denture or bridge would offer on their own.
We'll describe the three parts of a dental implant below, and explain the purpose each piece fulfills. We'll then present the implantation procedure as well as what to expect during your recovery.
Parts Of A Typical Dental Implant
There are three parts to an implant: the fixture, abutment, and crown. The fixture is the portion of the device that is screwed into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. It remains under the surface of the gumline. It is typically made of titanium since the metal fuses so well with bone.
The abutment is the portion of the implant that lies above the gumline. It sticks out from the space filled by the fixture, and provides the stub on which a prosthesis (e.g. crown, denture, or bridge) can be placed.
The last piece of the device is the crown, which is positioned on top of the abutment. Though a bridge or denture can also be used, a crown is preferred.
Determining The Candidacy Of The Patient
Dental implants are only appropriate when the patient's jawbone and gums are healthy. Otherwise, the fixture (e.g. artificial root) will be unable to properly anchor the device. The dentist will take x-rays of the patient's jaw, and examine them to note whether she is a viable candidate for the procedure.
Candidacy is also determined, in part, by identifying any medical conditions from which the patient suffers. This is done since many conditions might disqualify her from having an implant placed. The dentist will also ask about lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking) that might affect the long-term success of the implant.
How A Dental Implant Is Placed
Once a local anesthetic has been applied to the area, the dentist will cut into the gums to expose the bone. If the bone is already shaped in a way that allows it to receive the implant, a pilot hole can be created. If the bone is not properly shaped, a drill is used to shape it.
After the site has been contoured, another drill is used to create the pilot hole. This initial drilling is done to direct subsequent drills, not to provide the final hole for the fixture. The pilot hole is checked for proper alignment and corrected, if necessary.
Once the alignment of the initial hole has been confirmed, the hole is enlarged with special bone drills. This is done until the diameter of the hole is consistent with the diameter of the implant. The hole is then threaded to receive the fixture. The fixture is implanted, a cap is placed on top of it, and the flaps of gum that were pulled back to expose the bone are snipped and repositioned.
After The Procedure
During the first week following the procedure, limit your diet to soft foods. If possible, try to bite with the side of your mouth opposite the side that received the implant. It is also important to maintain regular brushing and flossing throughout the healing period to help prevent the onset of infection.
The dentist will normally wait a few months before creating the crown. This allows the wound to heal, and the fixture to bond with the surrounding bone.
Dental implants can last for decades if they are kept clean with good dental hygiene. They appear natural, are convenient, and offer a boost of self-confidence.
An implant is a device used to replace the root of a missing tooth. It is screwed into the jawbone, and held there securely by the bone, which fuses with it. A crown, denture, or bridge is placed over it. The artificial root provides more stability than a denture or bridge would offer on their own.
We'll describe the three parts of a dental implant below, and explain the purpose each piece fulfills. We'll then present the implantation procedure as well as what to expect during your recovery.
Parts Of A Typical Dental Implant
There are three parts to an implant: the fixture, abutment, and crown. The fixture is the portion of the device that is screwed into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. It remains under the surface of the gumline. It is typically made of titanium since the metal fuses so well with bone.
The abutment is the portion of the implant that lies above the gumline. It sticks out from the space filled by the fixture, and provides the stub on which a prosthesis (e.g. crown, denture, or bridge) can be placed.
The last piece of the device is the crown, which is positioned on top of the abutment. Though a bridge or denture can also be used, a crown is preferred.
Determining The Candidacy Of The Patient
Dental implants are only appropriate when the patient's jawbone and gums are healthy. Otherwise, the fixture (e.g. artificial root) will be unable to properly anchor the device. The dentist will take x-rays of the patient's jaw, and examine them to note whether she is a viable candidate for the procedure.
Candidacy is also determined, in part, by identifying any medical conditions from which the patient suffers. This is done since many conditions might disqualify her from having an implant placed. The dentist will also ask about lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking) that might affect the long-term success of the implant.
How A Dental Implant Is Placed
Once a local anesthetic has been applied to the area, the dentist will cut into the gums to expose the bone. If the bone is already shaped in a way that allows it to receive the implant, a pilot hole can be created. If the bone is not properly shaped, a drill is used to shape it.
After the site has been contoured, another drill is used to create the pilot hole. This initial drilling is done to direct subsequent drills, not to provide the final hole for the fixture. The pilot hole is checked for proper alignment and corrected, if necessary.
Once the alignment of the initial hole has been confirmed, the hole is enlarged with special bone drills. This is done until the diameter of the hole is consistent with the diameter of the implant. The hole is then threaded to receive the fixture. The fixture is implanted, a cap is placed on top of it, and the flaps of gum that were pulled back to expose the bone are snipped and repositioned.
After The Procedure
During the first week following the procedure, limit your diet to soft foods. If possible, try to bite with the side of your mouth opposite the side that received the implant. It is also important to maintain regular brushing and flossing throughout the healing period to help prevent the onset of infection.
The dentist will normally wait a few months before creating the crown. This allows the wound to heal, and the fixture to bond with the surrounding bone.
Dental implants can last for decades if they are kept clean with good dental hygiene. They appear natural, are convenient, and offer a boost of self-confidence.
About the Author:
Find out more about Raleigh Dental Implants from your Raleigh Dentist at www.thomasecookedds.com
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten