Of all the options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants is the one choice which most closely coincides with the appearance and function of natural teeth. This is partly due to the structure of the implants and the materials they're made from, and partly because of a bone tissue regeneration process called osseointegration.

Osseointegration and Restoration
Bone is a living tissue, made up of special cells that absorb and deposit minerals such as calcium to regenerate bone structure. When bones break, these cells allow for effective and successful regeneration. When dental implants are placed within the jawbone, the bone tissue around the implants gradually attaches to the implant through a process called osseointegration. When osseointegration is complete, the dental implant is securely anchored to the jawbone, just like a natural tooth.

Osseointegration plays a crucial role in the entire dental implant procedure, and must occur correctly in order for the restoration to be successful. In fact, osseointegration is one of the primary reasons why implants function exactly like natural teeth do, and why dental implants are an ideal option for replacing lost or extracted teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure
There are three parts to a dental implant: the post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post of the implant corresponds to the root of a tooth, and is the part that is placed within the jawbone during surgery. The abutment is a small platform that sits on top of the post, and acts as a surface for anchoring the restoration. The restoration is the part of the implant that corresponds to the crown of the tooth—the part that is actually visible.

The first step in getting dental implants is undergoing planning procedures such as digital x-rays, and having impressions taken of the mouth. X-rays help the dentist determine where the implants should be placed within the jawbone, and the impressions are used as molds for making the final prosthetic tooth or teeth. Some people must undergo one or more preliminary procedures before they can have dental implants placed. These are procedures such as bone grafting, ridge modification, and sinus lifts which prepare the jawbone for receiving implants, and help ensure the implant process is successful.

Once all the preliminary work has been taken care of, the implant post is surgically placed into the jaw bone. After the implant has been placed, a period of several weeks to several months is required for the mouth to heal. Once healing is complete, the restorations can be placed. Depending on the patient's needs, this might involve placing individual teeth or placing a dental prosthetic device such as implant-supported dentures.

Dental Implants in Lacey
For many individuals, dental implants are an excellent way to improve their long-term oral health and restore function permanently. For more information about your restorative treatment options, contact our Lacey dentists at Light Dental Studios today.