By Arthur Kezian
When a tooth is missing, an implant takes the place of the missing root and a prosthetic crown replaces the natural crown.
The gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure.
The implant procedure is a surgical placement of the implant in your jaw bone which requires a three to six month healing period before the implant restoration (crown) will be placed by a cosmetic dentist. During this healing time, the bone grows in and around the titanium implant creating a very strong support. commonly referred to as osseointegration.
So long as you have enough bone in the area of the missing tooth to facilitate the anchorage of the implants, this procedure can yield terrific results.
Dental implants can be rejected. Usually they are replaced with another implant of a slightly larger size. The rejection or “failure” rate is minimal, only 1 to 2% of all implant procedures.
A Flipper, a false tooth attached to an acrylic denture base, temporarily takes the place of a missing tooth before the permanent crown is placed on the implant.
Implant dentistry is recommended for treating patients who one or multiple missing teeth. Denture wearers often suffer due to loose dentures, and dental implants may offer many benefits to such patients who have no teeth of their own. The stability of the dentures is improved with the use of even two dental implants with attachments, the procedure can also help to preserve the patient’s jaw bone and reduce the shrinking of the jaws that is routinely seen in long-term denture wearers.
Loading the Implants with Crowns
When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant. It is the support for the new porcelain crown.
Today’s technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to assure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.
After impressions are taken a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented. The final prosthetic crown appears as a natural tooth.
In many cases, dental implants are incorporated into an overall treatment plan that might focus on the replacement of several teeth.
Some patients have the option of replacing each affected tooth with a new implant, depending upon the condition of bone material.
Other treatment plans may recommend implants for anchoring bridges and dentures while visiting an implant dentist Los Angeles.
The benefits of dental implants can be quite dramatic in patients of all ages with loose, missing, or decayed teeth, which have occurred either naturally or through an accident. Whether the choice for this type of treatment is made for oral health or simply cosmetic reasons, there is absolutely no substitute for the gift of a healthy, attractive smile. Without question, it affects self-esteem, job performance, energy levels and social interaction.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777