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Implants--yes, for your teeth!
Implants
As a common procedure in today's cosmetic dental world, implants replace one or more missing teeth. Implants also support permanent bridges for several teeth or full or partial dentures.
The procedure involves the implant, a crown and an abutment that attaches to the implant.
Usually made of titanium, the implant is placed in the bone and requires about four to six months for it to integrate with the jaw. Your dentist will then use a ceramic porcelain tooth restoration that matches your natural tooth color and attach it to the implant abutment.
In your first visit, you can expect your dentist to take your X-rays in order to determine proper implant insertion.
In your second visit, your dentist will insert the implants in the bone. After about three to six months, the implant will interlock with the bone.
In your next visit, your implant should have meshed completely with the bone. At this point your dentist will place the abutment—a small, metal post—to the implant. Finally, your dentist will then generate the tooth restoration and place it on the abutment.
Pros and Cons of Implants
Pros
- Very close to natural teeth
- May prevent reduction of the jawbone caused by tooth loss
- Does not require grinding down or changing adjacent teeth
Cons
- If you’re a smoker, you will have to quite during the healing process so the implant can successfully integrate with the bone
- Diabetic clients have problems with the healing process and lose the implants
- Requires more dental visits than other procedures