A Brief Look at the Dental Implant Process
June 3, 2016
Before making a decision to replace missing teeth with a desired tooth replacement option, make sure you understand all of your options. Dr. Andrés R. Sánchez wants to educate patients about dental implants in Eden Prairie, MN, and how they work.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are a permanent teeth replacement option for people who have damaged or lost one or several natural teeth. The restoration process is not immediate, however with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The dental implant procedure occurs in stages.
- After removing any damaged teeth, if applicable, the first step of the process involves skillfully placing a titanium post into the jawbone.
- Next, patients allow this area to recover. During this time, the gums will heal and the posts will fuse with the natural bone tissue. This step is crucial to ensuring the dental implants have a strong foundation that lasts. Recovery is monitored with check-up exams.
- Once the healing stage is complete, a connection piece will be attached to each implant, called an abutment. These are necessary to securely attach the final, customized crown, completing your new smile.
Dental implants help preserve remaining bone tissue in the jaw bone and promote healthy bone growth at the same time. This is very beneficial for patients who have had missing teeth for an extended period of time. After time passes, the extent of the bone loss will increase and may cause facial structure and appearance to change or can affect the strength of surrounding teeth. Patients can see their dental implants last permanently by brushing and flossing every day and regularly visiting the dentist for hygiene appointments.
Contact PerioWest today at 952-479-4705 to make an appointment with Dr. Sánchez and find out how you can personally benefit from dental implants.