Dental Implant Materials and Placement
Statesville, NC
 Where there is a need or desire to restore a full smile, our team at Jon C. Packman DDS will often recommend the installation of dental implants. These are metal frames, which are surgically implanted into the jawbone, inside the gums. It takes a few months before the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. It provides a solid base, much like the root of a tooth, on which our dentist can then mount a replacement tooth.
Reasons to Invest in Dental Implants
There is a more natural and permanent feel to dental implants as a replacement to a lost natural tooth. This is thanks to its fusing with the bone. It looks and functions like regular teeth. You will find that eating and speaking becomes more comfortable and painless.
As dental implants are used to replace missing or damaged teeth, they do help to improve your physical appearance. A full set of well-functioning teeth also boosts confidence both privately and publicly. They are also good for oral health as they provide support for neighboring teeth, helping to keep your bite in check. Our implants are highly durable and can last a lifetime. There is also greater convenience enjoyed, as they are a permanent fixture, unlike dentures that often have to be taken out or even fall out.
Types of Dental Implants
There are typically two options for dental implant procedures. The highly popular Endosteal implants work by insertion into the jaw. After fusing to the bone and healing of the gums, another surgery is conducted to connect a post to the first implant. Thereafter, a replacement tooth can be mounted. If there is more than one missing tooth, a bridge or denture may be attached.
For subperiosteal implants, the implantation is in the gums, just above the jawbone. We no longer recommend this option as the longevity of this treatment is substandard when compared to endosteal implants.
The Implant Procedure
This process always begins with an examination from our oral surgeon. We may use a combination of x-rays and CT scans to determine if your jawbone can support an implant. Where there is a shortfall, we may need to undertake grafting to strengthen the bone.
We will begin with sedation and application of local anesthesia. If the natural tooth were not already out, we would perform an extraction. This may result in additional visits to our clinic as we wait for any infection to clear up. If there is however no infection or need for bone grafting, the implant procedure can take place immediately after extraction.
During the procedure itself, our oral surgeon will place the titanium implant or post into the bone using special surgical tools. Once in place, a healing cap is positioned over the implant, and the gum stitched up. It can take between two to six months for the area to heal. During this time, a temporary denture will be provided to improve appearance. Once healed and confirmed to have fused well, an abutment is connected to the implant using a screw. An impression is then taken for a customized crown that will be secured in place as the replacement tooth.
For a long-lasting and convenient solution to missing teeth, do consider dental implants. For further information on these and other restorative treatment options, get in touch with us at Jon C. Packman DDS at (704) 978-7060. |
