Dental implants are artificial components that oral surgeons insert into a person’s gums. A tooth has to be replaced when it falls out, or gets damaged beyond repair. An artificial tooth has three main components: the crown, the abutment and then the implant.
The implant is an important part of an artificial tooth that people know nothing about. They walk in without the slightest clue what an implant is, and what it does for their teeth. Below is a short in-depth discussion that will go into the details of dental implants.
What are they for?
Dental implants, as briefly mentioned above, serve as the foundation of an artificial tooth. The crown is the replacement tooth. The abutment is where the crown is set or placed. Finally, the implant is what keeps the entire thing rooted in the gums. Without the implant, the tooth will not stay in place.
Who can get them?
A person healthy enough, or in a condition to deal with a normal oral surgery or dental extraction may receive a dental implant. A good bone structure and healthy gums are the only real considerations. People may get dental implants so long as both are in tip-top shape. Poor gums or bone structure automatically makes a person ineligible for any sort of dental operation.
Smokers, people who are at risk of diabetes, people undergoing radiation therapy, or have a history of heart disease, are often disqualified from having implants. They must first undergo evaluation to determine whether or not they may have dental surgery. People are strongly urged to consult first with a healthcare professional before undergoing any surgery that involves dental implants, as to avoid any health risks or complications.
How to get a dental implant?
The first thing a person should do is to approach an oral surgeon, so he can make a dental treatment plan. These treatment plans are tailor made for each individual. The oral surgeon checks to see the condition of the patient, and determine the best approach for placing the implant.
The next step is to place a root implant into the gum. The implant is placed exactly where the missing tooth used to be. The oral surgeon leaves the implant alone for several weeks to give the jawbone some time to heal. The healing period usually lasts about six to twelve weeks. As it heals, the gum and bone begin to surround the implant. The healing process actually anchors the implant in place. The implant may anchor a single tooth, or a set of dentures.
Once the implant is secured, the oral surgeon makes a mold of the patient’s teeth. This will be placed on top of the abutment. Oral surgeons will also match the color of the new tooth or dentures to the patient’s natural tooth color to make it look natural.
