Schedule AppointmentHow Do Dental Implants Work?
People who have missing teeth due to an accident or decay have various options for replacing them. While partial dentures, bridges and crowns are options, no treatment is more effective or longer lasting than dental implants. Made of titanium, the implants are placed into the upper and/or lower jaw to function and look like normal teeth.
Considering the procedure? Here’s what you can expect:
- Your dentist will place the implant into the jawbone. To ensure the implant fuses correctly, he or she may recommend sticking to soft foods and warm soup while the gums heal.
- Once the initial placement is done, the surrounding bone begins osseointegration, when it grows around the implant to hold it firmly in place. This can take up to several months before the artificial tooth is placed, but there have been times where patients can do both steps in one visit.
- When the dentist decides it the bone has effectively combined with the implant, the artificial tooth or teeth (crown) will be placed. Customized crowns will be made to match the color, shape and size of surrounding teeth so they look natural. If you are replacing more than one tooth, a customized bridge or permanent dentures will be created. You may need a temporary crown, bridge or denture while the permanent replacement teeth are being made.
Your cosmetic dentist can give you additional information about dental implants and determine whether you are a viable candidate for the procedure. If you are interesting in learning more, contact Art of Modern Dentistry at our Lakeview (773-935-3600) or South Loop (312-922-1898) offices.
Courtesy of the American Dental Association
