What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s placed in your jawbone below the gumline. This artificial tooth root is typically made from metal. After it fuses to your jawbone, an implant crown resembling a tooth is placed on top.
Dental implants can take several months and multiple appointments, but they’re a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth, supporting dental bridges, or holding Valplast® flexible dentures in place.
Who needs dental implants?
The MediDental Care team might recommend replacing one or several missing teeth in your mouth. In other cases, an implant is used to support a fixed dental bridge in place.
There are a few options for replacing missing teeth: removable dentures, implant-supported dentures, fixed dental bridges, or permanent dental implants. Selecting the best replacement option for your missing teeth depends on a variety of factors, including your overall health, the location of your missing teeth, and the quantity and quality of your jawbone.
The cost associated with each replacement option as well as your personal preference can also determine which option you select.
What can I expect during my appointment?
During your initial consultation, the MediDental Care team performs a dental examination and reviews dental images of your mouth. The MediDental Care facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a Vatech® Green CT digital X-ray system that captures high-quality images with an ultra-low X-ray dose.
If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the area is first prepared for the implant. This includes extracting damaged teeth or ensuring there’s a solid foundation for the implant. In some cases, you may need a bone graft to build up your jawbone for the implant.
To place your implant, the dentist uses a special dental instruments. Once the metal post is installed in your jawbone, they place a cover over it and stitch up your gum to heal. You may also have a temporary implant crown in place to conceal your missing tooth.
While your surgical site heals, you’ll make regular visits to MediDental Care to monitor your recovery. When you’re fully recovered and your implant has fused to your jawbone, your team member takes an impression of the site and fabricates a custom-made crown.
Your crown is either cemented into place or screwed onto the implant.
Call MediDental Care or schedule an appointment online today.
