Dental Implant

With tooth decay and gum disease rife in the U.S., tooth loss is a common issue, and the risk increases as we get older. Forty million people have lost all their teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). More than 170 million have lost at least one tooth, and 30 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth.

Dental implants offer a superior, permanent alternative to traditional dentures and bridges. They function, look and feel like natural teeth. They also protect the jawbone, which preserves facial structure and appearance. All this makes them a popular option at our Plymouth prosthodontic center.

When individuals are considering dental implant treatment, one of the first questions they ask their prosthodontist concerns the process of getting implants. The dental implant process varies depending on the individual case and the type of implants being used. However, all dental implant treatments are based on surgical insertion of an implant to create a synthetic tooth root for a replacement tooth or teeth.

Initial Consultation

Before the actual dental implant process can get underway, you’ll need a consultation with your prosthodontist. With the help of X-rays, they’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and jaw to make sure dental implant treatment is right for you. If it is, your prosthodontist will explain what you can expect during and after the dental implant process, and you’ll have the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you may have.

The Two Surgical Procedures in the Dental Implant Process

The process of getting dental implants from your Plymouth prosthodontist can take several months. It entails two surgical procedures, with local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Time is needed between the procedures for healing and for new jawbone to develop. The first stage of implant treatment, after the initial consultation, is surgically placing the implant in the socket of a missing tooth. The implant is a small screw-like rod – usually made of titanium – that will anchor the artificial tooth.

The implant fuses with bone to form a synthetic tooth root in a process called osseointegration – unique in dentistry in encouraging jawbone growth, which is crucial in preserving facial structure and appearance. The second surgical stage in the implant process entails fitting an abutment to the implant.

Placing Dental Implants

The dental implant placement surgical procedure entails:

  • Tooth extraction if necessary.
  • Making an incision in the gum.
  • Drilling a small hole into the underlying bone.
  • Inserting the implant into the opening in the bone.
  • Closing the gum with sutures if necessary.

After Implant Placement Surgery

If your gum has been stitched, the sutures will be removed a few days after implant placement surgery (unless they’re dissolvable stitches). It may take two to six months for the implant to fully bond with jawbone. During this time, you can wear a temporary denture if needed, and you may have to limit yourself to softer foods.

The Implant Abutment Procedure

The second procedure in the dental implant process takes place once your mouth has healed after implant placement surgery. It involves exposing the implant by removing a small circle of gum and then attaching an abutment to the implant. Your Plymouth prosthodontist will then get your replacement tooth or teeth made in a dental lab from a mold of your mouth.

After a healing period, a dental crown is fixed onto the abutment. If your prosthodontist is replacing a single tooth, the crown serves as your replacement tooth. When replacing a section of teeth, a dental bridge is permanently secured on implant crowns either side of the gap. To replace all the upper or lower teeth, a full denture is supported on implant crowns.

Jawbone Grafting

Sometimes, the dental implant process is preceded by a jawbone graft. This will be necessary if your jaw lacks sufficient quality bone to support an implant. The procedure, also done with local anesthetic, increases bone volume and density by providing a framework on which natural bone tissue can renew itself. Initial recovery after the graft typically takes around two weeks but it may take several months for a solid bone mass to form.

Medical Conditions That Could Rule Out Dental Implants

Your prosthodontist will pay close attention to your medical history before proceeding with dental implant treatment. They do this because certain conditions could possibly jeopardize the success of implant placement and impair the healing process. Medical disorders that could be a problem include cancer, gum disease, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. These conditions don’t necessarily make dental implant treatment impossible. It depends on the severity of the issue and whether it can be brought under control.

Taking Care of Your Dental Implants

If you look after your dental implants, they can last up to 30 years. Daily care of implant teeth is just the same as looking after real teeth. Unlike natural teeth, prosthetic teeth won’t decay. But plaque can still accumulate on and around your artificial teeth, putting you at risk of gum disease. Good oral hygiene is the key to keeping gum disease at bay. So, brush and floss your teeth frequently and get regular dental exams and professional cleanings. If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth, consider getting a dental nightguard to protect your natural teeth and your implants.

Dental Implants at Your Plymouth Prosthodontist

Whether you’ve lost a single tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, dental implants at Plymouth Metropolitan Prosthodontics are a good option as long as you’re basically healthy. Implants provide a permanent foundation for natural-looking replacement teeth that allow you to smile with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods. We have more than 25 years’ experience in providing dental implants with personalized treatment plans.

Our implant procedures include:

  • Single-tooth crowns.
  • Dental bridges to replace three or four teeth.
  • Implant-supported overdentures.
  • All-on-4 dental implants, also known as Teeth in a Day.

Get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about the dental implant process. If it turns out you’re not suitable for implant treatment, conventional dentures always provide an alternative.