What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth root. It is placed in the jaw bone. Over a few months, the bone grows and fuses to the implant. Once the area heals, an abutment and a crown are attached to the implant. The result is the most predictable, longest-lasting replacement of a missing tooth. It is no wonder that dental implants in Center Valley are our most popular service!
Learn more about Dental Implants and other options
The Pieces of an Implant
The typical dental implant is made of three pieces, each serving a specific purpose for the implant as a whole:
- Titanium Fixture: This replacement root is the first piece to be placed, and is embedded below the gum line. The gums are then sutured over the site so that the fixture can take root and trigger the process of osseointegration. (You can read more about osseointegration below.)
- Abutment: The abutment is placed over the fixture, filling in the hollow space and creating a foundation for the restoration to be placed. Depending on your treatment plan, another period of healing may be required before capping it with the restoration.
- Restoration: The last part of the process is the crown, customized by Dr. Lang to ensure that it mimics a real tooth in function and appearance.
How will the implant be placed?
Discover Center Valley Dental’s Dental Implants Process!
- First, the implant (small titanium cylinder or screw that looks like a tooth root) is surgically placed into your jawbone where you lost the tooth. Over the next three to four months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site so you do not have a “space” where you are missing your tooth.
- After the maturation process has been completed, the extension on top of the implant is often changed before the restorative part of the case begins. Sometimes, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach this same extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will then be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
- Finally, a porcelain prosthesis will be created for you and attached to the implant and the abutment. After this has been cemented in place, you will finally experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.
Benefits of Dental Implants
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top benefits that our patients have enjoyed most with their Center Valley dental implants!