If you’re in need of a dental implant, you may have two very important questions: Just what does it do, and how does it replace your teeth?Dental implants are essentially replacement tooth roots. They may be needed in the event of an injury or illness that decays one or more of your teeth. Thankfully, the procedure to get a dental implant in Metairie, LA, can usually be handled by dental experts in your area.
Your teeth are an often misunderstood part of your body. There are essentially two parts to your teeth:
- The root, which is basically the connecting part of your tooth that you can’t see. It is inside of your gums and keeps the rest of your tooth connected to your mouth.
- The crown, which is the part of your tooth that you can see.
Depending on your individual situation, you may need your entire tooth (including both the root and crown) extracted before a dental implant can be given.
Dental implants will typically involve an individualized treatment plan, and it may take some time before the entire procedure is completed. A dental implant itself is typically a small titanium post, usually referred to as a fixture. The goal of this fixture will be to mimic your original tooth roots as much as possible.
In your first procedure, any tooth or root remnant will be extracted. From there, the dental implant itself will be inserted into your gums. Over a period of 6–12 weeks, your gum and jaw will heal, essentially “absorbing” the post.
Next, an abutment will be added to the fixture. This abutment will be used to hold a new tooth. Based on previously taken impressions of your teeth, your dentist will then add the new crown to the abutment. The job of this replacement tooth will be to mimic your original teeth as much as possible, including in size, shape, and color.
Everyone’s dental implants will be a highly individualized and customized process, and you should discuss your specific needs with your dentist. Depending on the condition of your teeth, they may recommend implants for one tooth or several teeth.
If you are looking for dental implants in Metairie, LA, schedule an appointment or consultation with Jackson Oral Surgery. With years of experience and world-class customer service, we can help you with any of your dental needs.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.