Dental Implants
Dentists prefer, when possible, to preserve and restore your natural teeth, but sometimes tooth extraction is necessary. After the extraction is completed, you may be left with an unsightly gap. While there are several dental services to restore missing teeth, dental implants are often the most effective.
Advantages of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium rod surgically planted in the jawbone. An artificial tooth fits over the implant. The result is a permanent replacement tooth that offers several advantages over other dental services such as dentures and bridges.
For instance, unlike dentures, dental implants do not slip around in the mouth or make noises. And with a dental bridge, adjacent teeth may need to be "trimmed down" to fit the crowns that hold the bridge, weakening the original structure of the teeth and increasing the risk of adjacent tooth decay. However, with a dental implant, other teeth are seldom affected.
In addition to not weakening adjacent teeth, dental implants also help prevent jawbone deterioration. Loss of jawbone mass is a serious side effect of tooth loss, and it's a problem neither bridges or dentures can solve. However, a dental implant promotes new bone growth and slows down jawbone deterioration because it fuses with existing bone.
Dental implants also offer a permanent solution to missing teeth, unlike dentures and bridges that require periodic replacement. With proper care, a dental implant can last the rest of your life.
Are you a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth, have healthy oral tissue and have a jawbone strong enough to support the implants. Your jaw should have reached full growth: children and teens may need to wait until they finish growing before they can get dental implants. You also need a clear understanding of how long it takes to finish dental implants as this type of dental service can take over nine months to complete.
Dental Implant Procedures
Dental implant procedures begin with an evaluation of your suitability as an implant candidate. Dr. Killian will then take dental x-rays and perform a physical examination to determine if your jawbone is strong and thick enough to support implants. If needed, bone grafts can add extra strength and bone mass to your jaw.
During the first stage of dental implant treatment, the titanium implant is surgically inserted into the jaw. You then have to wait several months as the implant site heals. During the healing period the implant fuses to new bone, a process known as osteointegration.
Once your jaw heals, a second appointment uncovers the top of the implant from under the gums, and Dr. Killian attaches an abutment to the implant. The abutment sticks up from the gum line and serves as the attachment for the crown.
Then Dr. Killian makes an impression of your upper and lower teeth, so the crown will match your bite. The crown is attached to the abutment after your gums heal, which typically takes another couple of weeks. Once complete, dental implants look exactly like natural teeth.
Dental Service in Carlisle, PA
Dr. Killian's office provides dental implants and other leading dental services in Carlisle, PA. In addition to replacing single teeth, dental implants also serve as secure attachments for dentures. If you need any type of dental service, don't hesitate to call our office for assistance.
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