Dental implants are a great choice for replacing missing teeth. The finished result is very natural and secure, and can feel a lot more comfortable than wearing a denture or having a bridge. Though the process of getting implants is not a quick one, patients tell us how much they love their newly restored tooth, or teeth, and how it feels in their mouth.

Before treatment can begin your dentist will have to assess your suitability for implants. They may wish to do a CAT scan and take x-rays so that they can check the bone density and mass of your jawbone. If their evaluation shows you to be a suitable candidate then they will begin planning the surgery.

Dental Implant Placement

The first part of the surgery involves the dental surgeon inserting an implant into your jaw. The implant is made from titanium as this is a very inert element that does not react with the body. Once the implant has been inserted it has to be left to heal for 3 to 6 months. This is to allow osseointegration to take place as the implant has to fuse naturally into the jawbone.

The surgery does not take very long to complete, but you should be prepared to rest up afterwards. Some people may have a little bit of discomfort afterwards which may be easily resolved by over-the-counter painkillers.

The second part of the process depends on the kind of implant that has been used. It may be a case of uncovering the implant, and a second surgical procedure might be necessary to attach a post.

The final part is where the crown will be made to fit over the post. The dentist will take an impression of your implant which will be sent to a dental laboratory. They will also measure the shade of your teeth to ensure that the crown blends in with the rest of your teeth.

It may take a week or two for your crown to be custom-made at the laboratory, after which it will be returned to your dentist for fitting. Once it has been fitted it should blend in with your natural teeth and should feel as comfortable. If looked after properly an implant should last for many years, and often, the rest of an adult patient’s life.

If you are interested in learning more about implant dentistry, or feel you have a need for a dental implant, please call us at 713-523-6848 or make an appointment on our home page: https://smilesofmidtown.com We look forward to hearing from you.