At OraBell Dental Implant Centers, we focus on a patient-centric approach to dental implants using cutting-edge technologies. Patients come to us with many questions at the beginning. One is “How is a tooth implant attached?” That’s a good question, and one we’re glad to answer, starting with a full overview of tooth implants.
What Are Tooth Implants?
Tooth implants are essentially replacements for a single tooth, multiple teeth, or complete upper or lower arches. They substitute missing or damaged teeth. Although the replacements are artificial, they look and function like real teeth and are an alternative to poorly-fitting bridgework and dentures.
Therefore, dental implants can be used to treat various dental issues. Your jawbone must have reached full growth, have sufficient bone to secure the implants, and you must not have an issue with bone healing. In some cases, a bone graft is performed to support the dental implant.
Preparing for a Tooth Implant
You won’t immediately have a new tooth, as the implant must heal, but here is the general process in which we place a dental implant:
- The gum is cut to expose the bone an implant will be placed in.
- A hole is drilled into the bone to fit a metal post, which will serve as a tooth root.
- A partial, temporary denture will be fit while the bone heals.
The post, a type of screw, is made of titanium. Once inserted, bone tissue grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, which takes about four to six months. When complete, this firmly anchors the component as if it were a real tooth root.
Once the bone has healed, the abutment of the implant is placed. This is a minor procedure in which an oral surgeon exposes the implant and attaches a sort of connector. The gum tissue is closed up around the abutment with a small opening for the tooth implant or crown.
How the Tooth Implant Is Attached
The artificial tooth will be attached after your gums heal, which typically takes about two weeks. An individual tooth can be replaced. Or depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, zirconia crowns, bridges, or dentures may be attached to the abutment. Artificial teeth can be removable like dentures or fixed, meaning they can be screwed into place or permanently secured with cement.
What Are the Effects of the Procedure?
While you’re healing, you may have some gum and facial swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the implant site. Minor bleeding may occur as well. A tooth implant procedure is usually a success. However, you’ll still have to practice proper oral hygiene. You may be given a specially designed interdental brush to clean the teeth, gums, and metal posts. To protect your implant(s), have regular dental checkups and avoid habits such as chewing on hard items and using tobacco or caffeine products that can stain your teeth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
OraBell Dental Implant Centers is located in the San Fernando Valley and is owned by Dr. Idan Snapir, a world-renowned dental implant specialist. We use the latest technologies and techniques to achieve the best results possible. Continue browsing to learn more about our implant procedure, or book your free consultation by calling 818-740-6113.
