Implants
A dental implant mimics the form and function of a natural tooth, which consists of a root and a crown. The crown is the visible part of your tooth. It is used to chew food and is therefore the most susceptible to cavities. The crown is attached to the jawbone by way of the root. When decay has gone deep enough or when a periodontal disease has advanced enough to warrant an extraction, the entire tooth, root and all, is taken out. The dental implant is a titanium root that gets fitted into a socket that we create in your jaw. Once the root heals, we place an artificial crown on top. The new crown is customized to match your bite and the color of your teeth.
Dr Stewart will work together with an oral surgeon who will place the implant.
Common Questions
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
As long as there is enough bone available to support the implant and no disease is present that will deteriorate the bone over a period of time, most people are candidates for dental implants. Unlike other tooth replacement procedures, there is no minimum or maximum age. There are some serious health issues that may disqualify you from being considered for dental implants. These include recent chemotherapy, bone marrow cancer, low sinuses, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking. Your dentist will perform a full oral health exam to determine your candidacy. Be sure to discuss any concerns that you may have.
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
Following an initial visit to determine candidacy and perform a full oral health exam, you will be referred to an oral surgeon who will place the implant abutment in the jaw bone.
Once the implant is in place, it must be allowed to integrate with the jawbone for a period of time, usually a few months. After this time, you will return to the office for the placement of a temporary crown. The temporary crown is important to the process, as it allows the gums to reform in a natural way.
Finally, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one. Regular follow-up visits are essential to completing this process.
Is it painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area. You may feel minor discomfort during your recovery. Your oral surgeon may prescribe a medication to help with this discomfort.