Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a great option for patients who are missing one or more of their teeth and want to find a permanent solution that looks and feels like their natural tooth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically implanted into the jawbone socket. The implant will fuse with the bone over time through a process known as osseointegration. This will provide a solid foundation for the replacement teeth.

The implant is made from titanium, which is biocompatible and does no trigger any rejection reactions within the body. Titanium is very durable and resists corrosive elements.

After the surgical placement of the implant, the area will heal. During this time, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and follow the instructions given to Northmed Dental you by your dental professional. You may be told to eat soft food or avoid certain foods. It is important to stop smoking if you smoke. Smoking can negatively affect your gums' healing and your overall health.

Once the implant site has healed, a minor surgery is performed to place a connector or abutment onto the implant post. Local anesthesia is used in the dental office to perform this procedure.

The abutment holds the tooth-like crown or restoration on top of the dental implants. The abutment can be made from zirconia, titanium alloy or other materials depending on the patient's needs. The abutment may be shaped to fit the shape of the gum line or teeth surrounding it, but it is usually square-shaped and abutment-to-tooth-like-restoration shape to provide strength.

There are several different types of implants. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will help you choose the best option based on the condition of your teeth and gum tissue, the amount of bone available to support an implant, and your lifestyle.

The most popular type of implant is the endosteal, which is designed to be placed in the jaw bone. During this procedure the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone. The drill is used to create a space (called an osteotomy), into which the screw can be inserted. The site is then covered with a flap of tissue and sutured. After several months, the abutment will be exposed and your dentist can create a temporary or permanent restoration. Other kinds of implants are peri-apical, trans-osteal, and subperiosteal.