The Dental Implant Procedure: Replacing A Missing Tooth
Losing a tooth may have been the last thing you expected to happen to you as an adult. Unfortunately, there are many different circumstances that can cause an adult tooth to fall out, including extreme decay and different types of accidents. For example, you may have slipped, fell and hit your mouth into the pavement, ultimately causing the tooth to come out. No matter how it happened, you may be wondering what you can do to fix this problem, especially if you are feeling self-conscious because of it. Dental implants are often the best solution. If you do not know much about them, there are several things you should know before undergoing this procedure.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
A dental implant consists of two main pieces: a metal rod and a crown. The metal rod is designed in such a way to hold the crown in place. It will take the place of the root inside your mouth. The dentist would need to make an incision, scrape out any of the roots from beneath the gum line and then put the rod in its place. The incision gets sealed with a few stitches. You may not have a crown readily available to you at that moment because the incision needs time to heal.
In the meantime, the dentist is focusing on creating a custom crown. The reason custom crowns are offered is to make sure the finished implant goes with your other teeth and does not look like it is out of place. For example, if the dentist were to just choose any random crown, it may not match the color, shape or even the length of your other teeth. Each person has a distinct set of teeth, so it is important to customize the crown for that reason.
Is It a Quick and Simple Procedure?
The dental implant process is one that requires a specific set of steps that must be taken. It is not a quick procedure that can be completed in the office in only 30-60 minutes. Instead, you will likely need to schedule several different appointments with the dentist just to complete the process. While several visits may be required, it is something that is still worth it if you are feeling uncomfortable and unhappy with your teeth now that a tooth has fallen out.
Although you may be missing an adult tooth, there is a solution to this problem. A dental implant is a great alternative to a real tooth. The procedure may take longer than some other dental procedures that are much simpler, but the dentist will make sure to follow each step correctly so that you can eventually smile with confidence once again.
Companies like Gordon Dental may be able to help meet your needs in this area.