There is more than one way to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge, for example, is a common procedure that uses your surrounding teeth to support a fake tooth, or pontic. This pontic then fills the gap in your smile, preserving its aesthetics and function. Dental implants, however, are commonly considered the most reliable tooth replacement method, thanks to their stability and durability. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, around 3 million people in the United States already have dental implants. But despite this popularity, there are still many patients who hesitate to get implants, because they don’t know how they work. At Bivona Family Dental, we strive to educate our patients, ensuring you understand your procedure before your appointment begins. To learn if you qualify for a conventional implant, we need to start with the basics.
Conventional Implant 101: The Structure
A conventional dental implant is meant to replace your missing tooth in its entirety. Not only does the implant support a restoration that replaces your missing crown, but it also embeds in your jawbone to replace your missing tooth root!
Natural teeth have roots that extend into your jaw, securing your smile in place. Without them, your jawbone tends to shrink over time, as they lose the vital stimulation that tooth roots provide. With a shrinking bone, patients like you may experience premature wrinkles, sagging cheeks, and drastic changes in facial shape.
Fortunately, a conventional dental implant takes the place of your tooth root by embedding in your jawbone! This artificial root (or the implant body) is drilled into your jaw, where it secures in your bone to form a stable connection. Then, with an abutment on top (also known as a connector piece), your implant can support a crown, bridge, or denture restoration.
Conventional Implant 101: The Procedure
To support a conventional implant, patients require ample jawbone structure. Unfortunately, due to the effects of tooth loss, many patients with missing teeth lack sufficient bone.
However, Bivona Family Dental offers incredible solutions that help rebuild your lost bone! Additional procedures, like sinus lifts and bone grafts, restore your bone structure to create a strong foundation for dental implants. After a few months of healing, your bone should be strong enough to undergo the conventional implant procedure.
First, we use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and jaw. Then, once you’re comfortable, we make an incision in your gum tissue to reveal the bone underneath. Gently sing a series of drills that increase in size, we create a hole in your jaw to fit the implant. After carefully screwing the implant body in place, we then stitch up the incision to facilitate healing.
Thanks to their titanium design, conventional implants are able to integrate with your jawbone to create an incredibly secure connection. After a few months of healing, your implant should be stable enough in your bone to act like a tooth root, supporting your abutment and a temporary restoration on top! Then, after a shorter healing period, your implant can secure a final crown, bridge, or denture.
Conventional Implant 101: The Recovery
The conventional dental implant procedure is relatively complex, requiring multiple appointments and months of healing. But don’t let that stop you from restoring your smile! Here at Bivona Family Dental, we have extensive experience placing dental implants. With our compassionate, professional care, we replace missing teeth to provide you with a functional and beautiful smile.
After your first placement appointment, we will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to help your healing go smoothly. For example, we recommend avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, and encourage you to avoid chewing on your procedure site.
While it’s common to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising after your implant procedure, most patients can get by with over-the-counter pain medications.
However, for those who need them, we prescribe pain medications to make your healing journey smoother. Additionally, we offer innovative L-PRF therapy that not only speeds up your recovery process but also makes your healing journey more comfortable!
Once your implant is integrated with your jawbone and we’ve placed your abutment, you’ll undergo another healing phase. However, this time you’ll have a temporary restoration that preserves the function and aesthetics of your smile! These restorations help keep your teeth functional while you wait for your final restoration.
When everything is secure, we will attach your final restoration to your implants, restoring your smile permanently!
Restore Your Smile Today in Jasper, AL, at Bivona Family Dental!
After losing teeth, finding the right replacement option can be overwhelming. At Bivona Family Dental, we recommend a conventional dental implant! These titanium screws secure in your jawbone, replacing the entire tooth to create a stable smile.
Book a free consultation to learn more about dental implants and whether you qualify.
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