Replacing missing teeth is crucial to preserving your oral health. To support a tooth replacement, your dentist may need to place a dental implant. Here, our Calgary dentists explain the dental implant procedure.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that your dentist surgically places into your jaw bone to support a tooth replacement such as a dental crown, dental bridge or dentures.
Together, a dental implant and a tooth replacement look and act like a natural tooth.
A dental implant has two pieces: a titanium rod that is placed into the jaw bone and functions like the root of the tooth, and an abutment that screws into the rod.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Sometimes, it is possible to place dental implants on the same day as teeth are extracted but usually, it takes three to six months of healing before you are ready for implant to be placed.
Your dentist will begin the implant procedure by surgically placing the titanium rod into your jaw bone beneath the gum tissue. Then they will stitch the gum tissue back into place.
As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum. The healing process could take up to several months.
Once your gum tissue has healed, your dentist will attach the abutment to the rod. Finally, they will attach a tooth replacement to the abutment.
This procedure will result in an artificial tooth that looks and functions much like a natural tooth.Why use a dental implant?
If you're missing one or more teeth, dental implants can be used to address a number of issues and protect your oral health. By using a dental implant and a tooth replacement, you can prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, restore any jaw pain or bite issues, and even improve chewing, speech and digestion.