For patients with tooth loss, we have multiple options for addressing tooth loss, such as bridges and dentures. However, for the most secure and lifelike option, we may prescribe our Tucson, AZ, patients dental implants. In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at the placement process and talk about the three parts of a dental implant.
Addressing Your Lost Teeth
What happens when a gap remains in your smile? In many cases, this means a greater risk of misalignment as your surrounding teethed drift from position. The resulting misalignment often increases the chances of tooth decay and gum disease forming. Your missing teeth may also place pressure on your jaw joints, a factor that could lead to TMJ disorder and bruxism. Finally, your body will stop sending doses of key nutrients to the jawbone around your lost teeth. As a result, the jawbone dissolves, leading to further tooth loss and in some cases, an aged appearance.
The Implant
To prevent the serious complications listed above, we begin with an oral surgical procedure. We insert the dental implant into the jawbone. Made from titanium, a biocompatible material, the dental implant bonds with the jawbone tissue. Acting as a tooth root, your implant then stimulates the growth of jawbone tissue to avoid additional tooth loss or the premature appearance of aging. The placement area will need to heal for the bonding process to occur, also known as osseointegration. This takes about three to four months.
The Abutment
Once the area heals, we move on to the next step: restoring your new tooth. We first need to add an abutment, which will secure the new restoration to your new tooth root.
The Restorations and Prosthetics
After we place the abutment, we then attach the restoration. The restoration addresses the visible part of your new tooth, the one people will see when you smile. For a single tooth replacement, we will create a dental crown. The crown will be fabricated using lifelike materials, such as ceramic or zirconia. We shade these materials to match the rest of your smile. They’re also sturdy, able to handle serious bite forces. If you have multiple missing teeth, then we may create a prosthetic, such a dental bridge or a denture. If you have any questions about addressing your missing teeth, then contact our team today.
Do You Have a Missing Teeth?
We offer our patients a natural looking and secure solution for replacing missing teeth. For more information on our dental prosthetics and tooth loss solutions, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.
