Dental implants are considered by most dentists to be the longest-lasting, most durable, and most attractive replacements for missing teeth. By replacing the root of a missing tooth as well as the crown, implants are the closest restoration to a natural tooth. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry has stated that implants are the “next best thing to healthy, natural teeth.” Rooted in your jaw, implants are unlikely to need replacement in your lifetime!
The implant itself looks like a small screw, and it functions as the foundation for beautiful dental restorations. Implants securely attach restorations of all sizes to the jaw, from single crowns to bridges, to dentures. These restorations are generally made from ceramic or another biocompatible material and are matched to your teeth so they blend right in.
Implant Procedure
Getting an implant does require an initial surgical procedure from your Flint, MI dentist. Dr. Frank Gordon Jr. will drill a small hole in your jawbone and carefully place the implant. Following this, you will wait a few months while the implant takes hold, and will typically be provided a temporary crown or restoration to fill the gap in the interim. Over time, the bone and tissue build up and anchor the implant in a process called ‘osseointegration’. The implant will act as a new root for the crown that will replace the missing tooth. After the dental implant has sufficiently integrated into your jawbone, you will return to the office for the final step in the process.
Dr. Gordon will attach an abutment to the implant with a screw. The permanent crown is then attached to the dental implant, filling the space that was left in the mouth. The crown is made to look like a natural tooth and match your natural tooth shade. After the crown in placed and secured, a period of time is needed in order for healing to occur to make sure the dental implant will hold for a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. For an implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. If you are an adult in good health, you may be a good candidate for implants. The best way to know for sure is to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Gordon. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene and are not recommended for smokers. Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time. According to a study by the Academy for Oral Implantology in Austria, implants have a 97 percent success rate.