Until recently, a missing tooth’s only option for replacement was using dentures or a dental bridge. These sometimes clumsy dental appliances are not completely permanent and, while they do replace the teeth aesthetically, could do more harm than good physically. However, dental implant technology reverses the irreversible, simultaneously replacing a missing tooth and its root in one fell swoop. Learn more about this process with help from your Nashua, NH dentist.
The Parts of a Dental implant
Dental implants are broken up into three main parts:
- Fixture: The implant’s fixture is a small, titanium tube which your dentist surgically implants into the jawbone below a missing tooth. The fixture replaces a missing tooth’s root. During the healing process, the fixture integrates into the bone to become part of it. This provides a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment: The implant’s abutment connects the replacement root, the fixture, to the replacement tooth, the crown.
- Crown: The implant’s replacement tooth is simply a porcelain dental crown created in a dental laboratory by a lab technician. The crown attaches to the fixture via the abutment.
What can I expect during the dental implants procedure?
Dental implants require several dental appointments to complete. The process is usually broken up into two phases. The first phase is the planning and surgery stage. Your dentist takes a mold of your mouth to ensure the crown has a perfect fit and natural look. Surgery to implant the fixture into the bone takes place during the first phase. The second phase involves healing and placement of the dental crown. The healing process takes several months. It is important not to rush this stage as proper integration over time is crucial to the success of your implant. Additionally, the time between the two phases allows the dental laboratory to create the crown. Once healed, your dentist attaches the crown to the implant, and your new tooth is ready to withstand everyday use.
What can dental implants do for me?
Implants can replace one or many teeth. To replace multiple teeth, your dentist uses a dental restoration resembling a dental bridge with one implant on either end. This leaves the natural teeth intact rather than using them to anchor the restoration in place. To replace all of the teeth in an arch, strategically placed implants throughout the mouth hold a permanent or removable full denture in place. Your dentist can help you determine which treatment plan most benefits your situation.
For more information on dental implants, please contact us in Nashua, NH. Call (603) 883-6010 to speak with an associate about scheduling a consultation for dental implants today!
