Your natural teeth do more than just facilitate mastication and speech. They aid in bone reinforcement by strengthening and enhancing the density of the jawbone to preserve your facial form and bite function. Tooth loss due to chronic decay or trauma is the most prevalent dental problem that can weaken your jawbone over a period of time. Conventional dentures and bridges may provide temporary relief, but ultimately the jaws are neglected, which continues to resorb.
The dental implants in Lawton are more comprehensive treatment options that restore your smile without risking additional damage.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are surgically inserted prostheses that stimulate the jaw bone to permanently replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Once inserted, the implant post fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Dental implants are often fabricated using titanium alloys that are biocompatible, forming a strong foundation to receive customized implant restorations like crowns, dentures, or bridges.
What are the potential benefits of implants that make them superior?
Dental implants are preferred over dentures and bridges due to the following benefits:
- Engage the jawbone, thus preventing bone resorption
- Prevent facial sagging and premature aging
- Offer a permanent solution to tooth loss
- Are durable and last as long as 10 to 15 years
- Enables natural speech
- Facilitates easy chewing
- Preserves the adjacent teeth since they do not derive support from them
How are dental implants inserted?
Pre-procedure preparation
- You will have to undergo a consultation with a prosthodontist to determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants.
- Necessary dental X-rays will be taken to evaluate the thickness of your jawbone.
- You may require bone grafting (for insufficient bone thickness) or extraction of tooth remnants (if any) before you proceed with implants.
Procedure
- You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your missing tooth
- A small part of your gums will be cut using a surgical scalpel to gain access to the empty tooth socket.
- Your dentist will then drill holes right into your bone using rotary instruments for placing the implant.
- The implant post will be inserted, and the incision or cut will be stitched and allowed to heal.
- After a period of 4 to 5 months, your dentist will place a healing cap to induce healing of the surrounding gums. After a few weeks have passed, this healing cap will be taken off.
- Finally, an abutment (connecting link between the implant and restoration) is placed to support the final crown or denture placement.
Dental implants are fixed appliances that restore missing teeth in addition to stimulating the jawbone. Being durable and long-lasting, these prostheses offer a high success rate.