Dental implants are metal posts that resemble screws. The posts are inserted into the jawbone of the patient to replace the tooth roots of missing teeth. The implants can be used to support permanent individual tooth replacements or removable dentures.
Many patients prefer dental implants to traditional tooth replacement treatments because of the benefits:
Most adults who are healthy enough to have a tooth extraction or routine oral surgery performed can get dental implants. However, the patient's gums must be healthy and the patient needs to have enough bone mass in the jaw to support the implant. In some cases, patients who do not have enough bone mass may be able to have a bone augmentation procedure.
Additionally, patients must commit to maintaining an oral hygiene routine and having regular dental checkups. People who smoke, have had radiation therapy to the neck or head, or have chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, that are not well controlled must be evaluated before being approved for the procedure.
First, the dentist creates a treatment plan. The dentist then places a small titanium post in the bone socket of the missing tooth. The patient must then wait for the jawbone to heal, which usually takes between six and 12 weeks. The jawbone grows around the implant, securely anchoring it in the jaw, as it heals.
When the jawbone has bonded to the implant, the dentist attaches a connector post, called an abutment. The abutment's function is to hold the replacement tooth in place. Alternatively, patients who are missing multiple teeth may opt to have attachments placed that can support a removable denture, instead of having multiple individual teeth attached to implants.
The dentist makes an impression of the teeth and constructs a model of the patient's bite. The replacement tooth or denture is manufactured based on this model. The color of the replacement tooth or teeth is matched to the patient's natural teeth. The dentist then attaches the replacement tooth, called a crown, or the denture to the abutment.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Patients who are missing teeth may prefer dental implants to traditional dentures because of the benefits the procedure offers. Most adults with healthy gums and jawbones are able to get the procedure, though all patients are evaluated based on their oral and overall health.
Request an appointment or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at 561-763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.
The teeth are an essential part of the human body, which is why so many people turn to dental implants. Without enough teeth, it is harder for people to bite into and chew their food and harder to enunciate certain words when speaking. When many teeth are missing, the shape of the face will change,…
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may consider getting dental implants. Implants are a popular tooth replacement option, as they look and feel like natural teeth and, most enticing of all, have the potential to last for a lifetime. That said, though implants offer several benefits, they do come with a few…
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are a common treatment method and are becoming increasingly popular. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and help to restore the functionality needed for proper biting, chewing, and even speaking. A potential recipient…
A periodontist may recommend bridges to replace one to four consecutive missing teeth.
Since implant supported dentures are a customizable and versatile tooth replacement option, almost anyone looking…
The periodontist typically takes bone from elsewhere in the mouth, but they can use hip…
Dental implants are useful for smile transformations because they closely mimic real teeth.
Periodontal disease may make teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures because it exposes…
Most periodontists regularly perform oral surgeries like implant installation.
