Loss of natural teeth can cause a number of problems for your oral health and overall health. Tooth loss can occur from accidental injuries, caries, periodontal disease and aging. Ignorance of oral care is one of the prime causes of tooth loss. There are a few types of teeth restorations in dental science that help replace a lost tooth. Dental implants are one of the finest options for restoring missing tooth. The implant wonderfully integrates with the jawbone and provides great stability to the tooth replacement.
Dr. Nomi Lee has been providing dental care to the people of Redlands California, and other nearby areas for many years. Dental implant surgery is one of the dental procedures we perform at our office to improve the oral health of our valued patients.
Tooth loss and dental implants
Tooth loss is one of the most undesirable conditions in dentistry. The loss of a natural teeth can create a number of problems. The condition can affect the speech and eating habits. An imbalance created from missing teeth can push the teeth towards the gap. This causes orthodontic problems. Food stuck in the gap can increase the chances of gum infection. Due to lack of support, the jawbone starts to shrink.
Dental implants can address these problems. They are made of metals that can finally integrate with the jawbone. The implant bonds with the bone. This gives it high stability. There are examples of implants lasting for decades after the surgery.
Dental implant surgery
The surgical placement of the implant in the jawbone is a complex process. The dentist performs a thorough examination of oral health to ensure that there are no gum problems. The dentist then goes on to check the status of supporting bone. X-rays are taken and scanning is performed. This helps in accurate treatment planning.
The surgical placement of dental implants is performed with the help of local anesthesia. The dentist starts with a small incision of gums. Drills are used to create a bony recess in the jaw and the implant is carefully put in place. The gums are sutured back and left to heal. This may take a few months. The dentist fixes an implant post and takes impressions of the teeth during the next visit. This helps in the fabrication of the crown. The crown, which is created in the lab, can be screwed or bonded over the implant.
Our dentist finally explains how to take care of the implanted tooth and oral health. Proper maintenance of oral hygiene can help patients protect the implanted tooth for a long time.