An implant restoration is a life-long tooth replacement for missing teeth. Unlike other tooth restorations, dental implants restore now only the crown of the tooth, but also the root. This is done by implanting a titanium post into the jawbone and allowing time for the jawbone to fuse with the implant, forming an artificial tooth root.
Implant restorations restore stimulation to the jawbone because a tooth root is needed to transfer chewing forces to the jawbone, sending a signal to keep regenerating bone cells. This tooth root also stabilizes the tooth restoration so that your teeth don’t move when you speak or eat.
Implants contain three components – the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration. The abutment is the connecting point between the implant and restoration. Your restoration will depend on how many teeth you are replacing. For a single-tooth implant, a dental crown is attached. However, if you’re replacing an arch of teeth, then a denture or bridge can be attached.
The process starts with a consultation with one of our West Windsor dentists who will assess your tooth loss and take x-rays to evaluate your oral health and bone density. We will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants based on your oral health and how much healthy jawbone you have.
Healthy jawbone structure is important to support dental implants but if you’re lacking it, that’s okay. You can get a bone grafting procedure done to create the support, but you will need a few months of healing before you can have implants placed.
We will administer a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain. Sedation is also available if you have dental anxiety or would like to be more comfortable during the procedure. An incision will be made into your gums so we can drill into your jawbone and implant the titanium post.
Then, your gums will be repositioned and sutured shut. After this first procedure, you will need several months (3-6) for osseointegration to occur. This is when the jawbone grows over the implant and they become fused.
Once this has happened, you will come back for another oral surgery where we reopen the gums to attach the abutment. Then, impressions of your teeth will be taken to fabricate a dental crown that will be attached to the abutment. It will take about 6 weeks after the placement of the abutment to receive your dental crown.
It’s natural to be concerned about pain during a dental procedure. However, thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation techniques, most patients report little to no discomfort during implant restoration.
During the procedure, your West Windsor Dentist will numb the implantation site, ensuring that you don’t feel any pain. If you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable, your dentist can also provide sedation to help you relax.
The recovery time for an implant restoration can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the restoration. Generally, patients can expect to experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure, and it may take several weeks for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone.
During the recovery period, patients should avoid hard or crunchy foods, as well as smoking or using a straw, which can dislodge the implant. The dentist will provide specific instructions for aftercare to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
To ensure a proper fit for an implant restoration, the dentist will take a series of impressions and images of your mouth. This information is used to create a custom-fitted implant that will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
During the procedure, the dentist will also take great care to place the implant in the proper location and angle to ensure optimal function and aesthetics. Additionally, the dentist will provide you with a temporary restoration while the permanent one is being fabricated to ensure a comfortable fit and proper function.
Gum disease is a common concern for patients considering implant restoration. However, with proper treatment and management, patients with gum disease can still be candidates for implant restoration.
The dentist will assess the patient’s gum health and may recommend periodontal treatment prior to the implant procedure. Additionally, patients with gum disease will require diligent oral hygiene practices to ensure the success and longevity of the implant restoration.
Implant restoration offers several advantages over other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. Implants are permanent and durable, providing a long-lasting solution that can last for decades with proper care.
They also offer superior function, allowing patients to eat and speak comfortably and confidently. Additionally, implant restorations are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Yes, one of the benefits of implant restorations is that they function and look just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak normally. You don’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions, but it’s important to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the restoration or put too much pressure on the implant.
Do you have missing teeth and want a lifelong restoration that won’t cause bone loss and move on you when you go to chew and speak? Give us a call at Smile Society General Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sulaiman or Dr. Singh.
Get in Touch!Submit your contact information below and we’ll get back to you!
Comprehensive Care
As family dentists, we are able to treat you and your loved ones with a wide range of dental services, from the smallest filling to the most extensive cosmetic cases.
Dental Savings Plan
For patients who don’t have dental insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan to help keep the cost of your dental care within your budget.
Same-Day Appointments
We know that our patients live busy lives and that dental emergencies can be painful, so we offer same-day care to give you quality treatment when you need it most.