In the event you have one or more missing teeth, it is possible to have them replaced with artificial teeth that all but mimic the missing teeth. They are identical in size, shape and color. Many people are now turning to dental implants in Cedar rapids, IA as a superior alternative to dentures or bridgework.
What is involved in a dental implant?
The procedure depends on the implant site, which is the jaw bone. The jaw bone itself must be in good condition and must be prepared properly to accept the new teeth. The implant is a small titanium screw which is inserted in the prepared area of the jaw bone and allowed to heal until it fuses with the bone, the healing process may take two or more months.
Once this initial site preparation is completed, the next step in the process of performing dental implants is the setting, or attaching of the crown to the implant. The implant at this stage is now solidly fixed in the jaw bone. The implant is once again exposed, and a small collar is fastened to it, this is called an abutment. It is the abutment that is used to support the crown. It is the crown which has the identical appearance to the missing tooth. After the crown has been set, there will be no appreciable difference between it and the adjoining teeth.
Augmentation of the jaw bone:
There are times when the normal jaw bone may have been weakened by trauma or disease. If this is the case, prior to implantation, the jaw bone must be augmented so that it is strong enough to accept the titanium screw, which will form the basis for the crown. To accomplish this, the dentist will graft bone or a bone-like material to the jaw bone. The dentist performing the dental implants will have harvested the necessary bone from the patient or purchased bone taken from a cadaver.
Where the bone comes from for the augmentation process is the dentist’s decision. A graft of bone from your own body actually transplants bone cells or a piece of bone that fuses naturally with the prepared site. A bone which has been harvested from a cadaver causes the cells around the transplant site to change into bone. Regardless of what process the dentist chooses; the jaw bone will eventually be a strong base for the dental implants in Cedar rapids, IA and its subsequent bonding with the jaw bone.
Dental implants are becoming a more popular solution for missing teeth than either a bridge or dentures. If you are considering dental implants in Cedar Rapids, IA you should visit Adrian Rehak, DDS at Mt.
