The reason implant dentists are successful in procedures that support replacement teeth reliably and for a long time is that implants fuse together with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This process creates a strong bond that is similar to natural tooth roots.
When compared to alternative solutions, implant dentistry is an intriguing and innovative option that offers unique benefits. This implant dentistry review discusses how implant placement into the jawbone works.
It is helpful to understand the purpose of dental implant placement, how they are placed, and how an implant dentist can restore jawbone density after bone loss occurs due to periodontal disease or bone atrophy. The following discusses everything to know about implant placement into the jawbone.
The purpose of dental implant placement is to position the dental implants into the jawbone. The dental implants, which are small surgical posts, are made of titanium and go through a process known as osseointegration after placement, which involves fusion with the natural jawbone, creating a strong and unified bond and adequate support for dental restorations. This offers numerous benefits, including the ability to prevent the loss of bone inside of the jaw.
A minor oral surgical procedure is required to place dental implants into the jawbone. In simplest terms, this procedure involves making an incision into the gums, drilling a small hole for each implant, and carefully positioning each implant. The procedure itself does not cause discomfort as anesthesia is used. However, some discomfort should be expected for up to a week after the procedure as the mouth heals and the swelling decreases.
A bone graft procedure may be necessary before implant placement into the jawbone. This is particularly the case when the patient has lost bone in the area of the jaw that supported the root of the natural tooth, which could be the result of either periodontitis or bone atrophy. A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure in which bone tissue is grafted to the area where bone loss has occurred. It can take several months to fully heal from a bone graft procedure.
Most patients are able to recover from the initial discomfort and swelling after implant placement within a few weeks, and many are able to return to their usual daily routine within a week. However, it can take longer for the bone to fuse with the implants (osseointegration), and this process can take more than four months in many cases.
Another procedure to finish the implant process is scheduled after osseointegration occurs. This second procedure is non-surgical and involves the attachment of the dental abutments (one for each implant) and the dental prosthesis, which is either a crown, bridge, or denture based on the number of teeth that are being replaced.
The success rate of dental implants is reportedly above 98 percent. This means that while there is a chance for early implant failure, you can feel confident that the process will go smoothly with few to no complications or setbacks. If complications do arise, then the dentist and their team can promptly address the concerns and help ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the implant(s) as well as the attached restoration.
The most notable alternatives to implant dentistry are fixed bridges and removable dentures (partial and complete). The biggest difference is that the alternative solutions do not offer the same level of support since they are not supported by the jawbone and dental implants.
Instead, they are either supported by the gums alone (along with an adhesive material) or are fixed to adjacent teeth. An implant-supported restoration such as an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture is, however, permanently fixed, non-removable, and offers far more strength and overall durability.
If you have questions about implant dentistry or are ready to begin the treatment process, call us or send us a message today. We are glad to answer your initial questions and schedule a time for you to come to visit with our staff and decide if implant dentistry is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.genuinecaredental.com or call Genuine Care Dental at (408) 740-6002 for an appointment in our Saratoga office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Saratoga, CA.
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