Dental Implant Restoration for a Missing Tooth

A dental implant restoration is a great way of getting a patient’s missing tooth back. The tooth might have gone away because of decay or damage to the area. The good news is it does not have to be missing forever. Implants are posts that go into the patient’s jawbone to act as the missing tooth’s roots. The dentist will then have a false tooth placed over the implant to serve as the tooth’s visible portion. Keep reading to learn more about the process for replacing your missing teeth and how it works.

A dental implant restoration option

There are many choices when choosing the right dental implant restoration and material type. If a patient needs only one tooth replaced, it is possible to pick a dental crown over an implant post. However, if several adjacent teeth are missing, a bridge over implants might work better. Patients might choose from zirconia or porcelain as far as materials go. Each is durable and looks natural, and can be used in any portion of the mouth. The dentist will pick the right color to match the rest of the teeth.

The process of placing a dental implant restoration

The patient will need to have two surgeries done to place the implants. During the consultation appointment, the dentist will take some imaging to find the right treatment plan. If the patient has some bone loss, they might not immediately be the right candidate for the procedure. Instead, some bone grafting might be necessary to build up the jawbone.

Then the patient can have the implant placed. Anesthesia is given before the surgery. The patient will have an incision made in the gumline, creating a hole in that jawbone. The dentist can place the implant through that hole, stitching the gums closed after.

The implants will fuse to the bone within around three to six months. Then the patient is ready for the next step. That involves making an incision into the gums again, exposing the implant. Then the dentist will attach the abutment to the implant. That connects the implant to the crown for a better fit. The dentist stitches the gums closed after that but in such a way that the abutment is exposed.

The abutment helps the restoration and implant connect. However, the patient will need to heal for around two weeks first. Finally, the dentist can place the repair over the teeth. This piece is customized to fit the patient’s teeth better. That way, it will not interfere with the bite or feel uncomfortable. Over time, the new tooth will start to feel completely natural, completing the patient’s smile.

Benefits of dental implant restoration

Getting dental implants is much better than having removable dentures. Implants are more lasting than temporary restorations. That is why many people want to change to having a dental implant restoration. Below are the benefits of this missing tooth treatment:

• It makes eating easier and more enjoyable. These restorations can correct the alignment of teeth and jaws. This eases the pain during eating.
• It can improve one’s appearance. A dental implant restoration looks and feels like a natural tooth. It can fuse with the jawbone. This restoration can give an individual a better-looking, stronger smile. It can support the facial structure, preventing a tired, sunken look.
• It improves comfort. Implants can end the discomfort a patient experiences by using removable dentures.
• It improves speech. A dental implant restoration is stable enough to support normal speech. It will not slip, wiggle, or fall out while the person speaks.
• It is convenient. Removable dentures can be embarrassing and time-consuming. Dental implants remove awkward experiences. Maintaining them is like maintaining natural teeth.
• It improves oral health. A dental implant restoration stands on its own. It does not need support from neighboring teeth. Implants do not wear out natural teeth either. This allows the individual to achieve lasting dental health.

Possible complications

Every patient is different. Some people do not have problems getting a dental implant restoration. Others do. When this happens, the following complications may occur:

• Improper placement of the dental implant restoration can happen. This could result in an issue with the implant’s angle and location. The implant could be too close to the neighboring teeth. This problem will need an implant removal or replacement.
• The implant’s failure to fuse with the jawbone can be a problem as well. Another word for this is implant failure. The dentist may decide to replace the implant or get another dental replacement option.

Choose the right dental implant restoration today

When it comes to dental implant restorations, you have a range of options to choose from. That way, you can get the one that meets your needs. The dentist can help you pick the right restorations for your smile. Making an appointment today is the first step to a better smile.

Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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