How Does a Dental Implant Work?

While dentists offer a variety of solutions to improve your dental health, dental implants are one of the more popular treatments. However, while these dental devices are common, do you understand how they work?

In this post, we’ll discuss more about dental implants, including how they’re placed, how they work, and where you can find trusted dental implants in Onalaska, WI.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

You may consider getting a dental implant if you lose a tooth or have one or more missing teeth. Adding an artificial tooth to this open space helps you maintain proper oral health. In fact, a dental implant looks and feels like a normal-functioning tooth. Dental implants are fixed into the jawbone, meaning you won’t have to deal with slipping or bone loss caused by dentures or bridges.

How the Process Works

First things first, you’ll need a comprehensive dental exam before receiving a dental implant. This involves x-rays, 3D imaging, and models made of your teeth and jaw. A dentist will also review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed.

Preparing for the Implant

Once the procedure begins, the dental professional will first remove the damaged tooth. The next step is bone grafting, which is only needed when the jawbone is too soft or not thick enough. A dentist will add bone graft material to the jawbone to create a solid base for the implant.

Placing the Implant

Once the jawbone is ready, which may take several months, the dentist will make an incision on your gums to expose the bone. Next, they will drill holes into the bone to place the implant metal post.

Placing the Abutment and Artificial Tooth

After the metal post is placed, an abutment is attached to the device. The abutment will hold the artificial tooth. Once the gums heal, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment.

If you’re interested in dental implants or need more information, call Valley Dental today to work with the top dentist in Onalaska, WI

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622