< View All Articles

Longmont Dentist Explains the Dental Implants Treatment Process

As a practicing dentist, I frequently see patients who are suffering from tooth loss. Patients can lose a tooth for a variety of reasons—trauma, tooth decay, and gum disease can all damage teeth. This causes many patients to be embarrassed, avoid smiling, and suffer in silence. However, there are solutions to help patients maintain their dental health and restore their self-esteem.

Dental implants are a permanent solution for lost teeth. They are surgically inserted directly in to the jawbone—creating a stable replacement tooth that functions like a natural tooth. The dental implant treatment process consists of several different phases of treatment. These phases progressively build a durable replacement tooth.

In the first stage of treatment involves embedding the dental implant in the jawbone. The root of the dental implant is made of titanium or titanium alloy, and it is fills the space previously occupied by the natural tooth root. Some patients do not have sufficient bone to support a dental implant. These patients may be able to benefit from dental implants if bone grafts can restore sufficient bone density. After the dental implant is inserted, the area is sutured so that incision can heal. During this time, the titanium of the root integrates with the bone—the body accepts titanium, and the bone and the dental implant root fuse together. This ultimately acts as a strong foundation for the rest restoration.

The second stage of dental implant treatment commences when the dental implant has integrated with the bone. At this point our Longmont dental implants dentists attach an abutment to the end of the dental implant. The abutment acts as a connector piece between the root of the dental implant and the crown. This piece is often made of titanium, gold, or porcelain, and it allows the restoration to remain anchored to the bone as a natural tooth is.

Lastly, impressions are made for the restoration or crown, which will go on the end of the dental implant. This restoration is made of porcelain or composite resin—it’s the part of the dental implant that resembles a tooth. The crown is designed to fit the patient’s mouth and bite. Many patients wear a temporary crown before their permanent restoration is attached. These temporary crowns are often designed to be softer, and aid in gum healing.

The components of dental implants work together to maintain the patient’s overall dental health. Dental implants are not attached to natural teeth, and they do not require the dentist to file away healthy tooth structure. Dental implants have helped many patients enjoy healthy functional, smiles again. As always, if you want to learn more about dental implants, our Longmont dental implants dentists can answer all of your questions—(303) 776-4229.