Dental implants Minden, Stonewall, Shreveport
Both dentists and patients generally agree that a dental implant is the best way to replace a missing tooth. Implants are the most secure, natural-looking, and comfortable tooth replacement option. When we talk with our patients about implants, they often can’t wait to have their new tooth. However, it’s important to understand what will be involved in the process so that you can be prepared.
How long does it take to get a dental implant? Will you need to wait a long time to have your replacement tooth, or does it happen right away?
Preparatory procedures may be needed
The first step is to get the jaw bone prepared for receiving the implant. The bone needs to be thick and strong enough to support the implant. For some patients, the bone is already prepared to receive an implant. If the natural tooth was lost fairly recently, then the bone is likely already strong enough. In fact, when having a tooth extraction, it’s sometimes possible to place the implant at the same time.
However, for those who lost the tooth a while ago, it may be necessary to do a bone graft in order to strengthen the area enough for an implant to be successful. Those who have thinner bone tissue in general (for example, patients with osteoporosis) may also need a bone graft. For this procedure, bone tissue can be taken from another part of the body, or donor bone or artificial bone tissue may be used. This is placed into the area around the tooth socket, and then there is a healing period for the body to integrate the new bone tissue. At that point, the dental implant placement process can begin.
Dental implant placement takes less than an hour
The placement of the dental implant takes less than an hour. The implant is a titanium post that’s inserted into the jaw bone. This will serve as the artificial tooth root, supporting the crown on top.
Using the images from your initial consultation appointment, your dentist will plan your procedure. This planning takes place before you come in for your appointment. It then takes your dentist less than an hour to place the implant itself. Once it’s inserted into the jaw bone, the gum tissue is closed over the top of the implant.
Although the placement process is relatively quick, the process is not complete once the implant is placed. There is another phase of the process, which is crucial for the success of the overall procedure.
Integration into the jaw bone can take a few months
After the placement of the implant, the body needs to complete a process called osseointegration. This means that the jaw bone tissue grows around the implant and fuses with it. The implant essentially becomes a part of the jaw bone, just as the natural tooth roots are. The success of this process is critical to the long-term stability of the implant. Without successful osseointegration, the implant will become loose and can eventually fall out.
Anything that puts pressure on the implant can interfere with the integration process. This is why patients don’t leave with an artificial tooth attached to the implant on the first day. It’s important that the implant not be used for biting or chewing right away. Instead, an interval of three to six months is required for integration.
The final stage of the procedure takes about an hour
Once the implant has successfully integrated into the jaw bone, then a crown can be attached. This will serve as the artificial tooth. We create the crown in our office using state-of-the-art CEREC technology. A small incision is made in the gum above the implant, and a small metal connector piece called an abutment is attached to it. On top of the abutment, the crown is placed. It will look very much like your natural teeth, and it will be very secure during biting and chewing. (If you need more than one tooth replaced, then a dental bridge or even a full denture can be secured on top of one or a few implants, instead of a single crown.)
If the procedure is done well and adequate time is given for osseointegration, then a dental implant can be expected to last for the rest of your life. Although most patients would love to have their new tooth right away, it’s worth the investment of a few months in order to have a restoration that will last for all of the years to come.
Dental implants Minden, Stonewall, Shreveport
Dental implants are by far the most secure, comfortable, and natural-looking tooth restoration option. To find out if you’re a candidate or to learn more about the process, we invite you to come in for a consultation. Dr. Adam Cormier has a special interest in dental implants, and has placed them for many patients over his more than 20 years of dental practice. Please contact our office to book your appointment.
