If you have one or more missing teeth, you have difficulty wearing dentures, or you prefer not to weaken sound teeth to support a bridge, then tooth implants are the solution.
Implant dentistry was first introduced in Lakeview in the 1960s and has come a long way since then. It has become the preferred way of replacing missing teeth. Since implants are permanent, they are a great way to restore your confidence and improve your smile.
The actual tooth implant is a titanium pin or screw. The pin or screw is embedded directly into the healthy jawbone. Over a period of time, the implant and the bone become one. The implant essentially is a replacement tooth root that acts as a support for a crown or an anchor for dentures.
The Implant Process
The implant process is three stages. The first stage is the placing of the implant in the jaw. The second stage is a lengthy healing process; the final stage is the setting of the crown.
- Stage 1: At this stage, the implants dentist surgically sets the titanium “root” in the precise location in the jawbone. Some patients do not have enough bone. In a case like this, it is possible to perform a bone graft. This extends the healing time, but the patient can still have an implant.
- Stage 2: The time to heal can be from six to nine months. The implant becomes one with the bone; the process is called osteointegration. During the healing stage, the site is kept covered.
- Stage 3: At the end of the healing period, the dentist can prepare to set an artificial tooth. A crown is prepared; it is a duplicate of the original tooth and performs the same function.
Anyone in good health is a candidate for implants. A tooth replacement option is well worth discussing with your dentist in Lakeview.
If you have one or more missing teeth, implants are the ideal solution. To discuss the possibility, make an appointment with Family Dental Care near Lakeview. For contact details, visit http://www.chicagofamilydentalcare.com.