Dental implants seem to be a scary proposition for many patients, even though the restorative device isn’t intimidating. However, because of the lengthy procedure and recovery needs, many people consider more traditional restoration options, and may not want to consider the benefits of an implant.
What They Are
Restorative options have been used for years. The Mayans and Egyptians used wood and bone to create artificial teeth while George Washington, an American president, used wooden teeth. Science is advanced enough that people don’t need to use such materials, and dental implants work differently than traditional dentures and bridges. They are usually made from titanium and are surgically inserted into the jaw to act as the root of the tooth. Once everything has healed, the artificial tooth is placed, looking just like a regular tooth.
The Procedure
There is a lot of preparation before the procedure starts because the surgeon at National Periodontics has to determine the location, structure, and form of the mouth and jaw. For example, depending on where the implant will be, the surgeon may need to see how close it is to the sinus cavity or nerves in the jaw.
Likewise, a CT scan may be necessary to determine how much bone is left in the jaw and its shape. Once planning is done, the procedure can commence. An incision is placed into the gums where the implant will go, and the implant is put into the gums. The natural bone will grow over the implant, sealing it in place and then a crown or artificial tooth is placed over the implant.
Recovery Needs
Because the area must heal completely and the bone has to grow over the implant, recovery takes a long time. Most dental surgeons require at least two and up to four months of healing before adding the artificial tooth.
