There is a common goal among dentists to strive to preserve all your teeth. One reason is that the healthy degree of tension shared helps to maintain their position and prevent shifting that could lead to bite issues and bacteria growth. However, there are some occasions where an extraction is the most effective route to take. Can a dental implant be used to replace the missing tooth? Your implant dentist in Cambridge says, “Yes!” Read on to learn how the process works.
Why a Dental Implant is Needed
As explained above, when you’re without any number of teeth for a prolonged period of time, there is a likelihood that your other teeth will begin to shift. There is another problem that can arise, though.
The absence of tension at the jawbone level can slow the production of new bone cells, which is essential for maintaining the bone that supports your teeth. By the dental implant being attached and mimicking the function of the natural tooth root, the aforementioned can be prevented.
There are three opportunities for placement, but the right time will be based on your specific needs.
Immediate Placement
To qualify for an immediate placement of a dental implant, there must be sufficient bone beneath the extraction area to allow for a successful procedure. The dentist will also check to make sure there are no signs of infection, as it could compromise the implant.
Early Placement
In some situations, patients need to wait two-to-three months to have the implant placed. This allows time for the bone to heal and for the site to be better-suited for the implant’s insertion.
Delayed Placement
If there isn’t enough healthy bone present to support an implant, there may be a need for a bone grafting procedure to be performed, which involves taking a small amount of material from another area in the body to fortify the jawbone. This process can take up to eight months to complete and for the patient to sufficiently heal.
Why a Consultation is So Important
The only way to get an accurate assessment of your situation and to determine which route is best, is to visit your implant specialist in Cambridge for a consultation. While you’re there, you’ll receive a full examination, and you’ll be informed as to what is the best means to restore your smile and functionality in the safest and most effective manner.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He followed that with a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Lee earned a Master of Science degree in the area of dental implants, and he uses his expertise to replace missing teeth at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery. He can be reached for more information through his website.