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Even though there are many tooth replacement procedures available, dental implants are the most recommended option by experienced dentists.
Dental implants, or artificial tooth roots, hold a replacement tooth that looks and acts just like a natural tooth in place for many years.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants, commonly known as artificial tooth roots, are surgically placed into the jawbone in orthodontic patients to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants have a 98% success rate and, given the advancements in technology, this rate is increasing.
Dental implants are manufactured using titanium. They are inserted into and fuse with the jawbone.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure involves the following steps:
Evaluation
In this process, our dentists will find out the number of teeth you need to replace and will determine the scope of the procedure.
The first step is evaluating your teeth, gums, and jawbone and determining whether you have a healthy jawbone that can support the implant.
If your jawbone is very thin or soft, an additional procedure like a bone graft will need to be done before the dental implant is placed.
Tooth Extraction
If you have a remaining tooth where the implants have to be placed, our dentists will gently remove it. We use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and make the process painless.
Placing the Implant
During this step, our dentists will place the dental implant into the jawbone by cutting the gum and exposing the jawbone underneath. They will then use a special drill to place the implant.
Osseointegration
Once the dental implant is placed, it will take around 2 to 6 months for it to fuse with the jawbone. This process in which your implant is combined with the bone is known as osseointegration.
Abutment Placement
Once the osseointegration is complete, our dentists will insert the permanent replacement tooth made based on a previously taken impression of your teeth. The permanent tooth is made up of an abutment and a crown.
If you choose a removable tooth placement, it will be mounted onto a metal frame.
Dental implants can take a few months to complete and are slightly more expensive than other restorative procedures. However, the end result is well worth the time and money as dental implants are durable and strong.
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