Having missing teeth can affect the functionality of the remaining teeth and alter your facial structure. More so, visible gaps in your mouth will affect your mouth and possibly make you anxious about speaking in public. Dental implants in Campbell are an ideal solution for this problem.
The process of installing dental implants usually takes anywhere between three to nine months, at the hands of a periodontist and oral surgeon. Here are the critical steps involved in filling gaps:
1. Examining your mouth
This journey begins with a thorough exam of your teeth, gum, and jawbone to see where the gaps are and if the adjacent teeth have shifted. They will also check for jawbone degeneration since there is no root to stimulate new tissue growth. Your dentist will evaluate the gum to see if it’s strong enough to hold an implant post.
2. Choosing implants
There are two kinds of dental implants to choose from; endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are made from titanium or other safe metal, and they look like tiny screws. They are inserted deep inside the bone to function as the root of a natural tooth. One endosteal implant can support one or more teeth. On the other hand, subperiosteal implants are suitable for extensive bone degeneration, so there is not enough support for drilled-in implants.
3. Installing the implant
If you qualify for an endosteal implant, the surgeon will make incisions into the gum to expose the jawbone below. They will then drill holes into the bone to make space for inserting the post later. Meanwhile, you can request the surgeon to place a temporary denture to cover the hole until the area is ready to hold a permanent tooth.
There is no drilling involved when preparing for a subperiosteal implant. The post is placed above or on the bone surface.
4. Osseointegration
It takes between two to six months for new bone tissue to develop around the screw, a process called osseointegration. The natural jaw bone hardens and generates around the inserted screw to hold it in place to function just like a tooth root.
5. Placing the abutment
This step involves adding an abutment to the implant for reinforcement. Your surgeon can do this during the first procedure, or they can schedule it for another time. The abutment takes a few weeks to heal.
6. Tooth placement
The surgeon will take an impression of your tooth and make a tooth replacement. Doing this ensures that the new tooth matches with your natural teeth, so it is not conspicuous. A permanent tooth is cemented into the abutment, and if you prefer a removable one, it is placed onto a metal frame above the abutment. The new tooth will look and function like your natural teeth.
Upon completion, your dentist will advise you to resume standard oral care with daily brushing and flossing. The discomfort should subside with time and if not, schedule an appointment for a checkup.
