Implants Specialist
At Eve Dental we offer several services designed to replace lost teeth.
Implants Q & A
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an advanced option used to replace a lost or extracted teeth. The dental implant uses a post which is very small and made from titanium. Titanium is a bio compatible metal with grafts into the bone very well. This post is inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of a lost tooth. This post anchors a personalized dental crown which acts as the visible portion of the tooth which is used to chew. These implants can help prevent several issues that go along with tooth loss including loss of jawbone tissues, grinding and clenching, shifting teeth, trouble keeping teeth clean, and pain in the jaw joints.
Why is it important to replace a missing tooth?
When a tooth is lost or removed, the gum tissue and jawbone neighboring the gap can begin to shrink. This occurs because of lack of stimulation. A person’s bite can also be affected, altering how he or she chews. The adjacent teeth also begin to shift in toward each other and the opposite tooth can begin to shift down out of the socket. This shifting leads to other problems as well because the teeth become difficult to clean and a buildup of plaque and bacteria can occur. This buildup often leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Grinding and clenching, even TMJ disorders, can also occur when excessive pressure is put on the teeth which have moved.
How are the implants installed?
When having dental implants installed, three visits to the dentist are typically required. During the first visit, the dental post is secured in the bone where the missing tooth’s roots were found. Before the second appointment can take place several weeks are allowed to pass so the post can fuse with the bone. When the next appointment takes place, an abutment piece is secured to the top of the post. This is piece secures the post to a customized crown. An impression of the gap is collected in order to fabricate the crown and then sent to a dental lab. When the crown is complete, it is attached to the post.
Does an implant need to be brushed?
Patients will still need to brush and floss the implant, just like a normal tooth. This ensures that food particles, plaque, and bacteria are cleaned away.