Dental Implants Instructions

The loss of a tooth can sometimes be an emotional event. The loss of even one tooth can drastically change the way the mouth functions. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific and important function. The incisor and canine teeth are in the front part of the mouth. These teeth function to grasp and tear food such as when one bites into a piece of fruit. These teeth obviously are important in ones smile. The premolar and molar teeth are in the back part of the mouth and function to grind food into pieces that are small enough to swallow.

Dental implants are a predictable method of replacing a missing tooth or even several teeth. Dental implants are made from titanium, a metal which has been shown to be compatible with the human body. In fact, when implanted into the jaw titanium dental implants actually fuse to the bone, a process called osseointegration. This makes them permanent and allows them to function much like the natural tooth roots. Titanium dental implants typically require three to six months to undergo the osseointegration process. Once the dental implant has fused to the jaw bone your dentist will perform a series of steps that will lead to the placement of a porcelain crown onto the implant. This porcelain crown will look and function like the rest of your natural teeth.

Dental implants may be used to replace teeth anywhere in the mouth. In most cases the process of surgically placing and restoring dental implants is routine and straightforward. In some cases minor or major bone or gum tissue grafting may be necessary. Dr. Ferdowsmakan will discuss the need for bone or tissue grafting at the time of your initial consultation.

The success rate for dental implants is typically greater than 95%. In rare cases dental implants may fail for a variety of reasons. If this occurs Dr. Ferdowsmakan will remove the implant and allow healing prior to the placement of another implant.