What You Need To Know About Single Dental Implants?

Single dental implants are applicable when someone has lost a tooth or two. It involves the surgical placement of an implant in a cavity made in the jawbone by a dental specialist. It acts as a new root to the crown after integrating to the jawbone. Caps are also attached to give an impression of a natural tooth and also to fill any voids.

In order to make this procedure work, there should be sufficient bone in the jaw, and it should be rigid enough to support and hold the implant. In case of lesser bone mass, a procedure called bone grafting or bone augmentation may be done. All in all, the supporting tissues and natural teeth around the damaged area should be good in health.

How Does It Work?

There are several parts in an implant-restored tooth. The implant made of titanium is placed in the lower or upper part of the jawbone. The abutment can be made of porcelain, titanium, or gold. The crown is then connected to the implant through this part. It appears like a natural tooth that has been bowdlerized down to receive crown.

The restoration here is actually a crown, which is generally a fusion of porcelain and metal alloy. It can also be all porcelain or all metal. The crown is cemented or screwed onto the abutment. In case it is screwed, the hole is covered with a material such as composite (tooth-colored filling).

The Implant Procedure

There are various factors behind the timeframe of completing the implant and crown. If the traditional procedure is being used, the shortest timeframe for a complete implant is about six months in the upper jaw and five months in the lower one. This includes the placement of the permanent crown and other related procedures. In case the bone needs to be built up first, the procedure can take up to one year or more. In an alternative technique, the healing caps and implants are placed at the same time. When mini implants are used, the dentist will often place them along with the denture, bridge, or crown on the same day.

Two procedures are implemented in the traditional method, and it takes place in a gap of three to six months. On the first visit, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum so that the implant can be secured. This happens by drilling a hole in the bone, followed by placing the implant, and stitching to close the incision.

After the healing period is over, a second procedure is initiated. It exposes the implant by making a new incision. On the top of the implant, a healing cap is cemented as it allows the surrounding tissues to heal. The cap is removed after a few weeks. The abutment supports the crown by having screwed into the implant.

A dental implant offers several benefits in comparison to other replacement options. It helps in replacing a tooth without compromising the health of neighboring teeth and gum tissues. Every case is different and it is recommended that you book an appointment to allow a dentist to assess your dental situation.