How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are today's best replacement for compromised or missing teeth. They have all the functions of a healthy, natural tooth and boost patients' oral health.

While many are familiar with dental implants, not every patient understands how they can help patients achieve a healthy smile. This blog will explain how dental implants work and answer patients' questions about the procedure.

About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a synthetic tooth that replaces the natural root and crown. Depending on the patient's needs, implants can replace one tooth at a time or up to an entire arch.

Dental implants are unique compared to other tooth replacements like bridges and conventional dentures because they bond with the jawbone, replacing the tooth's natural root system.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Long-Lasting

Dental implant posts often last for decades, though the crown on top may need replacement every ten to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. With proper care, dental implant posts may last a lifetime. Compare this longevity to a bridge or denture, which needs replacement more frequently.

Natural Look and Feel

Today's dental implants are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Since they bond with the jawbone, they feel like natural teeth.

No Food Restrictions

With an implant, you can eat what you like. Sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods will no longer be a problem as long as you care for your implants.

Easy Care

Caring for a single-tooth implant is like caring for healthy, natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and keeping all regular dental appointments are all the steps you must take.

Protect Oral Health

Dental implants combat the adverse oral health effects of having a missing tooth. If you leave a gap in your smile, food and plaque will collect, raising your chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, your teeth will shift out of position, making them more challenging to keep clean.

Parts of a Single-Tooth Dental Implant

Implant Post

An implant post is a small titanium object that the oral surgeon surgically places in an opening in your jawbone. This post bonds with the jawbone and creates a solid base for your dental implant.

Abutment

An abutment is a stainless steel cap atop the dental implant post, allowing your restorative dentist to connect your crown to the post.

Dental Crown

The crown completes the implant. It replaces the portion of the tooth visible above the gum line and provides excellent chewing performance.

Dental Implant Surgery Explained

Many patients feel intimidated by dental implant surgery. However, the process is much easier than most people believe.

Step 1: Consultation

Your oral surgeon will assess your needs during your consultation appointment and take 3-D digital images using the highly advanced CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner. These images help the oral surgeon ensure that you have sufficient bone mass and locate your nerves and other oral tissues.

You can proceed to the implant process if you have sufficient bone mass. If not, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift to prepare for the procedure.

Step 2: Surgery

Many patients opt for sedation during dental implant surgery, especially if they are receiving more than one implant. However, many patients feel comfortable with local anesthetic alone.

The oral surgeon makes a small incision and places the implant post directly in the jawbone. Over the next few months, the post and bone will bond in osseointegration. The oral surgeon will provide you with antibiotics to promote healing.

The abutment comes next, sitting on top of the post to create a place to secure the crown. Finally, your family or restorative dentist will place the final crown and complete your implant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How soon after extraction can you get a dental implant?

Frequently, we can place a dental implant during the same procedure as your tooth extraction.

What happens if I don't replace an extracted tooth?

As mentioned above, you will experience problems with tooth spacing, gum disease, and tooth decay. In addition, your jawbone may begin to break down at the socket. When the jawbone atrophies due to a lack of chewing stimulation, your face may develop a "sunken" look.

Call Braasch OMS

To discover more about dental implants, please call our Bedford, NH office at 603-657-1984. We can schedule a consultation with Dr. Braasch and start your journey toward a complete and healthy smile.