The How & Why of Dental Implants in Riverside, CA

Why Dental Implants? Dental implants are state of the art in tooth replacement. A 98 percent success rate makes a dental implant the best option to replace your missing tooth. Dental implants are the most advanced way of replacement of missing teeth. They are highly recommended as the best long term tooth replacement option. A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months. What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure? A dental implant placement is done in stages over a period of a few months. Initially x-rays and 3D scans are taken to make a clear picture of where and what type of dental implant should be placed. You will be given an anesthetic to make the procedure painless and comfortable. A minor surgical procedure is performed for the placement of a dental implant into the jaw bone. Once the dental implant is placed, wait for a few months while the bone grows around the dental implant. Once the healing is complete and the dental implant is stable in the jawbone, it's time to create a foundation for your new tooth. Later, the shade and contour of your dental implant is determined to mimic your other natural teeth. Your dentist will take an impression to create a mold of your mouth to make the artificial tooth or teeth. Finally, the artificial tooth or teeth are fabricated and are screwed or cemented into the foundation.

Dental Implant Procedure Steps 1. Dental Examination and Initial Consultation During the initial visit and prior to the dental implant placement, a complete dental health and medical health examination is done. Parameters like bone densities, bone width and gum health is assessed carefully. In some cases, bone grafting or extraction of a tooth may be considered prior to the dental implant placement. Dental x-rays, 3D scans and an impression of your teeth are made to plan your dental implant. 2. Bone Grafting and Jawbone Preparation For better placement of a dental implant, it is important to preserve the bone density. Bone grafts may be placed to increase the bone thickness. The jawbone and surrounding area is prepared for a simplified placement of the dental implant. It usually takes around many months before your jaw is ready to receive the first dental implant. This time allows for proper healing of your bone. 3. Implant Placement After proper healing is achieved, your dental surgeon makes a cut to expose the bone and sequentially holes are drilled to place a titanium screw into the jawbone below the gum line. This is going to serve as the tooth root over which the whole prosthesis is fabricated. As it bears the chewing force it is placed deep into the jawbone. After its placement, the surrounding area is left to heal for a few months. 4. Healing and Osseointegration Once the dental implant is in place it is left for healing. This is a critical process and thus careful monitoring should be done. Gradually the bone grows ground the dental implant and envelops it as its own self. The process of bone fusing around the dental implant is known as osseointegration. It allows dental implants to become a permanent part of your jaw. The bone locks the implant in place and grows around it to reinforce it firmly just like your natural teeth. This process can take a few months. During the period of healing “a healing cap” is placed to over the dental implant and a temporary tooth is placed to replace your missing tooth temporarily. 5. Abutment Placement The abutment is the part that screws into the dental implant and will support the crown. After the healing is complete, the dental surgeon surgically exposes the dental implant. The abutment is then attached to the titanium dental implant. Finally after placement of the abutment another impression is made to fabricate the artificial crown. 6. Tooth Replacement The dental technician fabricates a custom crown that will mimic your natural teeth. The functional ability of an artificial tooth is closely noted. For replacement of more than one tooth a bridge or denture may be needed instead of a single crown. Finally the crown or bridge is fixed to the dental implant to complete the surgical procedure.

Implant Maintenance The daily care of your dental implant is just like your natural teeth. Your new dental implant must be cared for and checked regularly. Brush and floss the implanted tooth as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. Cleaning is especially important after meals. Well maintained dental implants can last for many many years. Visit your dentist every 6 months for revaluation.