A dental implant is a small, medical-grade titanium post that is inserted into the jaw and supports the final dental restoration. Whether a tooth must be removed, or it is already missing, dental implant placement is the best restorative solution to ensure the long-term health of the mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Andrew Boyce and Dr. Kyle Tracy provide patients with a variety of restorative solutions utilizing dental implants that not only eliminate tooth pain but restore a beautiful new smile that patients will be proud to show. Below is what to know about dental implants and if they are right for you!
Patients who undergo dental implant therapy find that the restoration offers a variety of benefits not offered by other forms of dental restoration, such as fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, and/or full-arch dentures. Dental implants provide the following benefits:
If you are missing a tooth or need to have a tooth removed, they are the best option for replacement. During your initial consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and X-rays and perform a thorough oral examination to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant. If the bone in your jaw is thin, you may need an additional procedure, called bone grafting, to build up the bone so that proper bone height and width are present for the dental implant.
During your first procedure, the implant will be placed, and you will need to wait a few weeks for the surgical site to heal and the implant to fuse with the jawbone. After healing, when the implant is securely anchored in the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant and functions as the core of the replacement tooth. The abutment can be adjusted and shaped to allow the replacement tooth, or crown, to blend in with the adjacent teeth.
The final step is to affix a crown to the abutment. The crown is shaped and colored to match your surrounding teeth. The finished result matches your natural teeth.
If you have any additional questions on what to know about dental implants, contact Billings Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled surgeons at one of our three convenient office locations. Our office and surgical staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you receive high-quality care.
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