When a person loses a tooth either to physical trauma or other health-related issues, it not only leads to discomfort and makes it complicated to eat and drink, but it may cause severe self-esteem issues. Fortunately, Dental Implants in Annapolis are designed to restore a lost tooth and give a person a stunning smile and the ability to drink and chew normally. Here is a brief look at what this outpatient procedure entails and how it quickly and easily restores the brilliance of any smile.
Removal of Existing Tooth Structure
A dentist will first conduct an x-ray of the damaged area and ensure that there is no damage to the jaw bone that should be addressed before proceeding. Next, the dentist will remove any broken tooth fragments from the jaw, and in some cases may have to graft additional bone material to the jaw to provide a sturdy foundation for the implant. After this procedure, the jaw bone should be left to heal, which usually requires 6-8 weeks of recovery time.
Implant Post Installation
After the bone graft has healed, the next step is to install the post that will be used to secure the implant in place. The dentist will drill into the jaw and place the post a minimum of a 1/2 inch into the bone. The device will be held in place with a concrete-like substance until it has a chance to graft to the bone and create a permanent structure, which usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
Abutment and Tooth Placement
The last phase of Dental Implants in Annapolis is to attach the abutment and tooth. The abutment is screwed directly onto the implant post and provides a higher connection point for the artificial tooth. Finally, the dentist will secure the tooth onto the abutment post and conduct an x-ray to ensure that the connection is stable and that there are no issues with the jaw bone or gums before releasing the patient.
Losing a tooth doesn’t have to lead to reduced self-esteem. The team at Annapolis Dental Associates are leaders in cosmetic and general dentistry and offer a variety of services to keep a person’s smile looking great. Call today to learn more and schedule a new patient exam to tackle any oral health problems once and for all.
