Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth! Implants act just like a natural tooth with a root and help support bone structure. A dental implant is a titanium, screw-like post that is surgically implanted directly into the jaw bone with a porcelain implant crown screwed onto the implant.
Dental implants can also support a partial or full bridge with porcelain crowns fabricated to match your remaining natural teeth. Implants are one of the more costly restorative options but with a success rate of 95%-97%, they can easily last a lifetime which makes the time and cost worth it for some in the long run.
How are dental implants placed?
If your dentist believes you may be a candidate for a dental implant, they will refer you to an oral surgeon or periodontist who is the dental professional that will place your dental implant. A local anesthetic is administered via injection in the area being treated and a small incision is then made in the gum tissue to access the jaw bone. A small hole is then drilled into the bone and the titanium implant post is screwed into the jaw bone. Patients that do not have a sufficient amount of bone mass may be able to have a bone graft performed to maximize bone volume and provide a stable foundation for the implant.
Once the implant is in place, the gum tissue is stitched up around the implant, leaving a small portion of the implant exposed above the gum. A temporary abutment, called a healing cap, is then placed on the implant to protect it while you heal.
Healing time for dental implants can be up to six months allowing the implant to fuse with the bone, called osseointegration. If a bone graft is needed, it will need to heal before the implant can be placed which can take an additional two months. After your implant has healed and integrated, your dentist will place the implant restoration. This can be a single implant crown for one tooth or even a full or partial denture, which will require multiple implants.
Temporary Tooth During Healing
While your implant heals, you will have a temporary tooth that will give you the appearance of a tooth and also act as an additional form of protection for the implant. The temporary also helps maintain the space so that the neighboring teeth do not shift. There are a couple of options for your temporary tooth including a flipper, an essix, a temporary bridge, or an immediate temporary crown.
Immediate temporary crown: A provisional crown can be placed on your implant and is often used on the front teeth which give the patient the appearance of a tooth and allows the gum tissue to heal around the temporary in preparation for the permanent implant crown. This helps the gum line heal evenly and avoid gum contouring.
Flipper: This is a type of temporary tooth made of acrylic and looks like a Hawley retainer with a fake tooth attached to fill the space. A flipper is removable and should be taken out when eating, sleeping, and oral hygiene.
Essix: An essix is another retainer type of temporary but is made from a thin, clear plastic that fits over the entire arch of teeth, like a clear aligner, with a composite material in the space for your artificial tooth. This should also be removed for eating, sleeping, and oral hygiene.
Temporary bridge: Your dentist can also fabricate a bridge that affixes to the teeth on either side of the space, joined with a fake tooth to fill the space. While this option is cemented in place, your dentist will use temporary cement so that it is easy to remove when it is time to place your permanent restoration.
Patients that have worn a denture and are now having implants placed may be able to wear their denture as usual while they heal. Not everyone is a candidate for each type of temporary restoration so your dentist will discuss your options with you so that you can decide which one will be best for your individual case and lifestyle.
Dental implants take some time to complete but the comfort and stability that comes along with them makes it worth the effort. Patients that need to have one or more teeth replaced need to make sure they are informed about the process and are prepared to endure the surgery and healing time. Speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants to restore your smile!