Dental implants are an advanced and sophisticated type of missing teeth replacement today. But how exactly do dental implants work? In this article, we discuss the function of dental implants, their oral health benefits, and the procedure of implant placement.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants consist of two main parts: the screw-like post, or implant fixture (the implant itself), which is inserted directly into the jawbone, and a dental crown that is attached to the post and looks like a natural tooth.

The screw-like post is made of metal, typically a titanium alloy, because it is durable, lightweight, and biocompatible. The biocompatibility of the post allows it to fuse with the jawbone over time. Thus, the post acts like the roots of a natural tooth, providing stability and up to 95-100% of natural biting force. Also, dental implants stimulate the jawbone in a way similar to tooth roots, preventing bone resorption (density loss) and changes in facial structure.

Crowns that are attached to the implanted posts are typically made of porcelain or zirconia. These materials are also durable, stain-resistant, and look like natural teeth, mimicking the slight translucency of natural enamel. Also, the shade of these materials can be closely matched to the color of the rest of your teeth.

An additional part of a dental implant is an abutment that connects the crown to the implant fixture.

What Is the Procedure of Implant Placement

Implant placement is a surgical procedure. Let us look at the main steps of the procedure.

Before the Procedure

• Preparation: your doctor takes digital scans or X-rays to determine the condition of the jawbone and the size of the future implant.
• Additional procedures, if necessary: if there is insufficient jawbone density to support the implant, your dentist may offer restorative procedures, such as bone grafting, to regenerate bone.
• For tooth decay and gum disease, if present, the dental implant healing process requires an infection-free environment. If any infectious conditions in the mouth are active, they must be treated before surgery.

During the Procedure

• Numbing the surgical site: the surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation, if necessary.
• Accessing the bone: your doctor makes an incision in the gum to access the bone.
• Implant placement.
• Applying stitches: dissolvable stitches are often used after dental implant surgery to close the gum tissue and promote healing.

After the Procedure

In the majority of cases, 4 to 6 months must be allowed for the implant to fuse with the bone before the crown can be attached. However, in some cases, mainly when implants are used to replace front teeth, crowns can be placed right away.

During the first weeks of your recovery, you are likely to experience swelling, bruising in the face, and mild pain. Also, you will have to switch to soft, liquid foods to minimize pressure on implants from chewing, and let the jaw rest and regenerate.

Swelling and pain typically resolve in several days, but you will still need to exercise caution and care until the implant becomes stable and able to support the crown. After the healing is complete, your implant will function like a natural tooth.

Get Dental Implants at LA Wilshire Perio

If you need to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth with dental implants, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at LA Wilshire Perio today. We will carefully examine your case and offer a reliable course of action to restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile. We are looking forward to your visit.