Missing teeth can lead to several oral problems. One missing tooth can be the first thing that leads to misalignment and issues with eating and speaking. Missing teeth can also lead to tooth decay. The decay can weaken and brittle surrounding teeth, creating a bigger problem. Here at Blacks Fork Dental in Mountain View, Wyoming, we want to help you gain a solid and healthy smile that will last you years. Getting a tooth replacement is the best way to avoid those oral issues. At our practice, we offer dental implants! A dental implant is one of the most popular restorative treatments. The implant restores your smile while helping keep your jaw strong and avoiding misalignment.
We hope this page will help you understand the procedure for a dental implant. We have outlined the benefits and challenges of getting an implant. If you have questions or concerns at any time, please get in touch with us! Dr. Irene or the Blacks Fork Dental staff would happily hear from you.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth replacement comprising three separate dental appliances. The three parts are the post, the abutment, and the crown. The process is surgical, and we must place each piece at a different time to give your mouth sufficient time to heal. Our doctor will help you prepare for the surgery. While the process for a dental implant can be extensive, you may love the long-lasting results.
What is the Procedure?
While the dental implant process is surgical, we want to assure our patients that there is nothing to worry about. With the ever-advancing dental technology, the process is quick and seamless. We also have several different sedatives to help relax you and avoid pain. If you know that you are particularly anxious about the dentist’s office, please let us know so that we can accommodate you in any way possible.
The post is the first part of the dental implant. It is a metal screw that we will surgically place into the jawbone. The post is a strong foundation needed to hold the rest of the implant. The process for this is quick and straightforward. The dentist will drill down into your jawbone and place the post. The post will be the new root of your tooth. Your mouth will need time to heal around the post, as the tissue will secure it in place. Once it is secure, we can move on to the next step.
The abutment is the piece that will securely connect the crown to the post. Inserting the abutment is quick. Once we connect the abutment to the post, your gum line will also need to heal around the appliance. We will give you a temporary crown while waiting for your mouth to heal before getting your actual crown.
The crown is an artificial tooth custom-made to your exact specifications and measurements. The crown is made of porcelain and is meant to match your tooth anatomy and shade. Once we insert the crown, you can utilize your implant. With proper oral hygiene, your implant will last you years, and no one will be able to tell you to have a prosthetic tooth.
Dental implants are one restoration option that can save your oral health. If you are missing a tooth, please see Blacks Fork Dental today in Mountain View, Wyoming, to learn how it will benefit you. Contact us today!