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A dental implant is a three-part tooth replacement option that provides stability and durability similar to natural teeth. The implant post acts as the ‘root,’ while an abutment and crown replace the visible part of the tooth.
The final restoration looks and feels like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew, talk and smile with confidence again. Additionally, dental implant treatment Franklin MI prevent bone loss and avoid the complications of traditional bridges or dentures.
How Dental Implants Work
Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, restoring the smile’s appearance and function, and help maintain bone density in the jaw. They also provide a strong foundation for bridges or dentures. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Good oral hygiene and regular visits are essential to the life of your implants.
Before placing an implant, X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the mouth to determine the amount of bone and gum tissue available for the procedure. While the area is numb, the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant anchor is then covered with a healing cap. A temporary restoration may be placed if the patient desires so.
After several months, the implant heals and fuses to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, the patient should avoid hard foods and chewing on the area to prevent damaging the implant. A small connector piece, called an abutment, is then attached to the anchor and the replacement tooth is firmly attached to the abutment.
Once the abutment is in place, patients should continue to care for their implants as recommended by their dentists. They should brush and floss regularly, visit their dentist for cleanings, and wear a mouthguard when participating in sports. Additionally, patients should refrain from smoking, spitting excessively, and drinking through straws as these actions can increase the risk of complications, such as a dry socket, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
The Implant Post
The dental implant treatment Franklin MI post is a titanium screw-like fixture that surgically replaces your tooth root. Titanium is a biocompatible material, so your body accepts and heals the implant without issue. The implant post then becomes a part of your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which creates a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
Once the implant post has fused to your jaw bone, a connector called the abutment screws into place on top of the post. The abutment connects the post to the crown (or other restoration, like a bridge or denture). The abutment can be made of a number of materials, including zirconia or another metal.
During the healing process, which may last for several months, you’ll wear a removable, temporary replacement tooth attached to the abutment. We’ll manage your care instructions throughout this time, ensuring that you follow proper hygiene practices and attend regular dental visits.
Most implants are endosteal, meaning they are placed directly into the jaw bone. This type is typically preferred, as it’s considered the most durable and aesthetically pleasing. However, if you have a thin upper jawbone or cannot undergo bone grafting procedures, we can use subperiosteal or zygomatic implants instead. These implants are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone, and they’re longer and shaped like screws or cylinders.
The Implant Abutment
The abutment is the connector piece between the implant post and the replacement tooth. It is placed on the dental implant either during or after the post is surgically inserted into your jawbone, depending on the type of abutment.
Most abutments are prefabricated and can be screwed on to the implant post after it has been exposed through gum tissue. They are typically made of titanium and often have a coating to reduce irritation. Some abutments are custom-made for patients after impressions have been taken of the implant and surrounding teeth. This allows for a more precise fit, promoting better overall function and aesthetics.
There are also some abutments that can be positioned so that they jut out past the gumline instead of inside. This is known as a healing abutment and may be advised in order to promote healthy soft tissue growth around the dental implant treatment Franklin MI.
It is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions for care of the abutment and adjacent teeth. This includes proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. It is also important to avoid smoking, which can interfere with the successful osseointegration of the implant. With these measures in place, your implants can last a lifetime.
The Crown
The final part of the dental implant is the crown, which replaces your missing tooth. After the implant has bonded with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration), we will secure the crown to the abutment, giving you a completely new replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions like a natural one.
A number of factors determine whether a person is a candidate for dental implants. The most important is gum health, with no untreated periodontal disease. Sufficient bone density is also essential, as the implant must be firmly supported by the surrounding bone. In some cases, a patient who has insufficient bone thickness may benefit from a bone graft prior to surgery. Other important factors are general health and a commitment to regular oral care practices.
During your consultation at Michigan Periodontics, we will explain the details of your particular situation. We will recommend the type of dental implant that is best suited to your needs. Typically, a single implant can replace a single tooth. In some instances, a partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) requires two or more implants. Dental implant restorations are more durable than bridges and can last for a lifetime with proper care. They are also more cost-effective than traditional dental restorations.
