The Dental Implant Treatment Process
If you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, you know just how much that affects the aesthetics of your smile. You may find yourself unwilling to open your mouth wide, even around people you’ve known for many years. In addition to this, though, there are many dental health problems that can be caused by missing teeth. Your remaining teeth may gradually shift out of place, for instance, or you may experience gum recession and bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing.
It’s for this reason that Boston cosmetic dentist Dr. James M. Stein recommends dental implants to patients with missing teeth. Implant dentistry involves the placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone and soft tissue of your mouth. This artificial tooth root will support a replacement tooth or a dental restoration such as dentures or a dental bridge. Since the dental implant is integrated into the existing structures of your mouth, there will be less chance of bone loss and gum recession, and your remaining teeth with maintain their current position.
The first step of the implant dentistry process is the oral surgery. During this surgery, a discreet incision is made in the gum tissue that allows for the placement of the dental implant. The implant is drilled into the jawbone, securing it in place. The dental implant is then capped with a temporary restoration.
The next phase of the Boston dental implants process is known as osseointegration. In basic terms, this means the fusion of the dental implant with the organic structures of your jaw and gums. This will take a few months to complete, but once this phase of treatment is done, your dental implant will be just like another part of your mouth.
The final step of the process is to get the permanent artificial tooth or dental restoration fitted and placed. Once this is complete, your smile will look natural and as if you were never missing a tooth or teeth in the first place.
To learn more about dental implants as well as other options for improving your overall dental health and appearance, contact our Boston cosmetic and implant dentistry office today.
