Over the last three decades, dental implants have replaced the dental bridge as the standard of care for replacing a missing tooth.
While implants may initially be more costly, its expected increase in life makes it much less expensive over time.
With dental implants, treatment cannot proceed any faster than the human body can heal. So, it is common for treatment to take several months to complete.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
The major advantages of a dental implant over a bridge are longevity of the restoration, ease of maintenance and preservation of bone in the site of the missing tooth.
The disadvantages can be length of treatment time, having to undergo a surgical procedure, and cost.
While implants are initially more costly than a bridge, they increase the life of your smile and save money in the long run!
Dental Implants Take Skill And Teamwork
Dental implants usually require a team effort, and Dr. Klein has a skilled team of dental specialists with whom he works in order to provide excellent dental implant restorations.
As the restorative dentist, the process of getting a dental implant begins and ends with Dr. Klein and he will coordinate your treatment plan with any specialists that may also be working with you. Dr. Klein will plan the implant design and location, and will refer the surgical portion of your care to a specialist. Dr. Klein will then fabricate and deliver your final restoration.
What Is A Dental Implant?
When restoring a missing tooth with a dental implant, there are three components that make up the dental implant replacement system. The dental implant is a coated titanium “replacement root” that is placed into the bone of your jaw.
Over time, bone will grow to the dental implant fusing it into place. The abutment is placed in the dental and is the component over which the crown is placed, so it acts like a connector between the implant and the crown. The dental crown is the component that is seen above the gums.
Crowns can be made of several different materials depending on esthetic and strength demands. Crown can be screw-retained or cement retained.
The Main Steps Of Getting An Implant
1] Initial Consultation
You will first meet with the implant surgeon for an initial consultation. The surgeon will review your medical history to identify any factors that may affect your implant treatment and will examine the area to ensure that a dental implant can be placed there. After reviewing your findings, the surgeon will communicate with Dr. Klein the proposed surgical treatment plan. From here, Dr. Klein may gather any other necessary information, like models of your teeth or photographs.
2] Tooth Extraction
If a tooth is still present in the implant site, it will need to be removed before the implant can be placed. If there is not enough high quality bone in which to place the implant, sometimes a bone graft is completed during this procedure. Bone grafting material is placed into the socket which speeds healing and improves density of the newly-forming bone. Usually, healing after an extraction can take 2-3 months before the dental implant can be placed. In some rare instances, a dental implant can be placed at the time of tooth removal.
3] Implant Placement
After the area is thoroughly numbed, a small pilot space is created in the bone at the implant site. The implant is delicately placed and the gum tissue is repaired. You may have a few stitches in the area, but they will dissolve in just a few days. Depending on the location and type of implant placed, you may or may not see part of the implant sticking up through the gums. Over the next few weeks, the bone of your jaw will grow to the implant, fusing it into place. Once the surgeon has determined that the implant has healed sufficiently (usually 8-10 weeks), your dentist can begin the process of building a new tooth on your implant.
4] Placing The Abutment
The abutment is the component on which your crown will sit, thereby connecting it to the dental implant. When your dentist has determined your implant is healed and stable, an impression is made to register the location of the implant in a stone model. On the stone model, an abutment is selected that best meets the strength and esthetic demands of your case and a crown is then made. Depending on the location of your implant, your dentist may make a temporary crown that is kept in place while the permanent crown is being made. Sometimes temporary crowns are kept in place longer in order to shape the gum tissue around them. This is a vitally important step in achieving the highest esthetics in the visible front teeth area.
5] Permanent Crown
The final step involves placing the abutment onto the implant and the permanent crown onto the abutment. The abutment is held in place by being screwed into the implant. Once the abutment is secured, the permanent crown is placed. The crown can be made of various materials depending on the esthetic and strength demands of your case and can be cemented or screw-retained, also depending on the situation. Once this is completed, the implant will function like and can be maintained like a natural tooth.
Call Klein Dentistry In Grandville, MI To Start Your Own Dental Implant Process!
To learn more about how we can help you with your dental implants, contact us today! We’d love to learn more about your situation and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.