Dental implants are replacement tooth roots with metal screw-like posts that surgeons place in your jawbone in the gap where teeth are missing. The surgeons then mount artificial teeth on these dental implants to give you the same appearance as your natural teeth. Dental implants support artificial teeth, such as dentures, bridges, and crowns.
A dental implant is a viable permanent restoration option for lost teeth. They are also suitable for replacing significantly decayed teeth. Cosmetic reasons such as enhancing your smile can motivate you to get a dental implant procedure. With a high success rate, dental implants look comfortable and are also made to fit with your other teeth comfortably. They can ease the difficulties in chewing and speaking that result from tooth loss, restoring these natural abilities.
Dr. Jeff Kesecker, DDS at Legacy Surgery, is a dental specialist and can perform a dental implant placement for any oral problem you are experiencing. Our dental implants can be personalized to fit your requirements - we make the entire process as easy as possible.
There are a number of implants made to suit your unique needs. These are the main types of dental implants:
After going through a consultation with a dental surgeon and designing a treatment plan, the dental healthcare professional will go about the restoration process by adhering to the three stages below.
A dental surgeon conducts the implant placement by drilling the jaw and placing the implant such that it firmly fits into the jawbone. This procedure is a bit invasive, and the surgeon administers an anesthetic before making the incision and placing the screw into the jawbone. It is advisable that an experienced surgeon conducts the procedure so as not to damage the many nerves in the mouth. After completing the surgery, the dental surgeon places a healing cap on top of the implant site for protection and to facilitate quick healing.
This second stage is vital as it is the period during which the jawbone grows around the implant. This process is medically referred to as osseointegration. It takes 3- 6 months, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone. Once the surgeon has determined that the bone has grown around the implant firmly enough, they will ask you to proceed to the next step.
The final stage entails placing a custom-made dental crown over the implant. The crown is designed to match the rest of your teeth and thus blends in pretty well. If you replace more than a single tooth, an implant-supported bridge or all-4 permanent implant will suffice. After this, the healing process begins and can take 3-5 months to fully recover with proper care.
Dr. Kesecker is a Doctor of Dental Surgery recipient from West Virginia University. He has conducted thousands of implants, producing excellent results, and is familiar with the dental implant process. At Legacy Sugery located in Harrisborg, VA, we care about your oral health and hygiene, schedule an appointment with us today.
