What is Dental Implant Restoration?

Dental implants are today's premier replacement for missing or damaged teeth. They provide excellent chewing function, look natural, and protect your oral health.

Many patients want to know the benefits of dental implants and how they can take advantage of this advanced type of restoration. This blog provides a guide to dental implants, how they work, and how they can help you.

About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a unique medical device that replaces one or more natural teeth. Following are the parts of a dental implant and how they work together to restore your smile:

Implant Anchor

The crucial difference between this device and other restoration types is the implant anchor. Anchors are tiny devices made of biocompatible titanium. Your dentist surgically places the anchor in your jawbone and allows it time to heal. Over time, the anchor forms a highly durable bond with the bone.

Abutment

The abutment is a small stainless-steel cap that protects the top of the anchor and allows it to connect with the final restoration.

Restoration

Patients have multiple choices to restore their teeth.

Single-tooth implants: These implants receive a dental crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Implant-supported bridges: Implants replace the crowns that typically support a bridge, giving a more durable solution.

Implant-supported dentures: These dentures can replace a few teeth at a time up to an entire arch.

The Dental Implant Process

Consultation

The first step in acquiring a dental implant is sitting down with your dentist and discussing your needs. Your dentist will also take digital images and evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Bone Grafting

If you do not have sufficient jawbone density to support an implant, you can visit an oral surgeon for a bone graft procedure. A bone graft is an uncomplicated procedure that introduces natural or artificial material into your jawbone.

The body uses this material as a scaffold to build new bone mass. A bone graft takes about six months to heal before you can move forward with your implant.

Dental Implant Surgery

The dentist makes an opening in your jawbone and inserts the anchor. The anchor works like a screw to firmly attach to the bone. Over time, it will bond with the bone in a natural process called osseointegration. The dentist closes the gum over the anchors.

Abutment Placement

After a three—to four-month healing period (the timing may vary), your dentist will reopen the gum and expose the anchors. They will then attach the abutments and secure the gum around them to facilitate crown placement.

Final Restoration

At the end of the process, you will receive your crown, bridge, or denture. You will enjoy a brilliant, healthy-looking smile. The implants will take time to heal, but you will be able to add your favorite foods to your diet as time passes.

How Dental Implants Benefit Oral Health

Some patients hesitate before asking their dentists about implants simply because they feel they are only cosmetic. However, dental implant restorations have a significant impact on oral health:

• Prevent natural teeth from moving, protecting your tooth alignment and reducing your chance of tooth decay and gum disease due to malocclusion
• Close gaps in your smile that may collect food and plaque, further raising your risk of developing complications
• Preserve jawbone strength by keeping the bone from breaking down at the site of the missing tooth.

Boosting Your Self-Confidence

Missing teeth often make patients uneasy about smiling in public. They may feel self-conscious or shy about their appearance. With new dental implants, you will want to smile at everyone. Others may notice your new smile, leading to better personal and professional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Restoration

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

• Healthy jawbone or ability to receive a bone graft
• Healthy gums and no untreated tooth decay
• Non-smokers or those who are willing to quit because tobacco hinders the healing process
• Absence of diseases that affect healing (autoimmune, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer)
• Willingness to practice excellent oral hygiene

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Depending on your policy, you may be able to receive partial coverage for your implants, crown, bridge, or denture. However, bone grafting is not typically covered.

Call Springfield Healthy Smiles

If you have a damaged or missing tooth and want to replace it, we can help. Please call Springfield Healthy Smiles at 703-866-7000. We can schedule a consultation to answer your questions about dental implants and determine whether you are an ideal candidate.