Things You Should Know If You Are Considering Tooth Implants in King of Prussia
If you have several damaged or missing teeth, your dentist may suggest you get dental implants. When you undergo this procedure, your dentist will drill into your teeth roots and add titanium screws to hold your artificial teeth.
The absence of even one tooth can make it hard for you to chew food properly and leave you encountering speech issues. When you get tooth implants in King of Prussia, the functions of the teeth you lost will be restored. These implants can also restore your smile.
Dental Implant Parts
Typically, a dental implant is composed of a titanium screw or the implant itself, an abutment, and the dental crown. The titanium will serve as the root of your new tooth. Meanwhile, the abutment is attached to the implant to provide the implant and the crown with something to bind to. It can be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, porcelain, and zirconia. Lastly, the dental crown is placed on top of the implant, serving as your false tooth. You can replace your crown when it breaks or cracks, but it should last for a long time with proper care.
How the Procedure Works
Getting tooth implants involves several steps. These include the following:
- Consultation. Before you make a decision on your dental treatment, a licensed dentist should examine you. After the examination, the dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
- Evaluation and testing. Your dentist will start the evaluation and testing, so they can plan the surgery. This includes asking about your medical history and taking X-rays or CT scans. This allows them to know which areas they must avoid and where they should make the incision.
- Bone grafting. This is performed if the dentist determines you don’t have enough jawbone density to support the implant. Your dentist will decide on this during the evaluation.
- Implant installation. The dentist will disinfect your oral cavity and make an incision, exposing the tooth socket. Then, they will drill into your jawbone and place the implant. After securing your implant in place, the dentist will stitch the incision back up.
- Temporary cap placement. A few months after the implant installation, you will have to visit your dentist again for the installation of a temporary tooth cap over your implant. This installation is important for healing stimulation.
- Crown placement. Before your dentist can add a dental crown to your implant, they will remove the healing cap first and add an abutment. The abutment will hold the crown in place, letting your chew, bite, and talk easily.