Dental Implants: A Stable and Secure Way of Tooth Grafting

When a tooth is lost due to disease or injury, an individual may experience complications such as defective speech and changes in chewing patterns. If the missing tooth is not replaced quickly, the bones and gums beneath the tooth will deteriorate. The longer you wait, the more adverse effects on other teeth appear. You may even notice a loss of bone within the jawbone.

In such a scenario, dental implants become the best option for replacing missing teeth. dental implants in Dedham, MA, involve the surgical insertion of implants into the jawbone. These implants are then screwed with screws and used as a base for placing artificial teeth. The implants are incredibly worthwhile in restoring dental health.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small fixture made of titanium alloy. A dentist inserts this fixture into the jawbone to securely hold a custom-made dental crown. The abutment is a device used to connect dental implants and artificial teeth. The procedure is performed only if sufficient jaw bone is available to support a dental implant. Zirconia implants have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use in dental implants. This is a durable white ceramic material commonly employed for implants.

Types of dental implants

Dental implants are of two main types:

Endosteal implants: This prevalent type of implant is embedded into the jawbone, supporting one or more dental crowns.
Subperiosteal implants: This implant variation is placed on top of the jawbone. It is suitable for individuals with insufficient jawbone height.

Who needs dental implants?

A person who has lost a tooth in an accidental injury can opt for dental implants. Dental implants are suitable for individuals who have lost a tooth due to the following reasons:

Tooth root fracture
Cavities or tooth decay
Gum disease
Teeth grinding or clenching
Facial injury
Congenitally missing teeth

What to expect during dental implant surgery?

Before the surgery, dentists conduct comprehensive dental exams followed by X-rays and 3D scanning. A dental model of your jaw and teeth is created. Based on these reports, dentists follow a step-by-step process that includes:

The surgeon provides local anesthesia or medication to numb the specific region.
Once the gum is numbed, the surgeon initiates the procedure by making a small incision. The incision (cut) exposes bone underneath.
An opening inside the jawbone is widened using specialized instruments to accommodate the dental implant.
The surgeon carefully places the implant into the jaw once the opening is sufficiently widened to hold an implant.
Finally, the surgeon repositioned the gum and closed the incision with stitches.

Dental implant maintenance tips post-treatment

After the dental implant treatment, it is vital for an individual to adhere to the following tips: