Double Tooth Implant
Dental implants are a popular type of dental restoration for people who wish to replace one or more missing teeth. In a dental implant procedure, a small cylindrical fixture is surgically placed in the jaw and, once it has healed, is used to support dental crowns or bridges. As it heals, the implant fixture fuses with the surrounding bone, providing a strong and stable support system for dental restorations. Depending on the condition of the patient’s jawbone, dentists may choose to use a single implant to support more than one prosthetic tooth. When there isn’t a generous amount of healthy bone available to support an implant, dental implant specialists can often strategically position the dental implant or implants to utilize the optimal amount of available bone while supporting multiple dental crowns; in many cases, just a few implants can even be used to support a full row of teeth. You and your dentist will work together to determine which implant-supported restoration will work best for you.
The most traditional type of dental implant allows each dental implant to act as a replacement root and support an individual dental crown. When patients have inconsistent bone mass or compromised health in their jaws, however, dental implant specialists can design an implant-based restoration that capitalizes on the amount of available, healthy bone in the jaw. These implant-supported restorations look and function like natural teeth and don’t rely on the adjacent teeth for support like some types of dental restorations do; each implant roots the restoration securely to the jaw. Dental implants also help support the health and strength of the jawbone, which gradually resorbs when there are no tooth roots present to stimulate its growth. This helps maintain the integrity and appearance of the dental restoration while providing a permanent restoration that allows the patient to eat, smile, and talk freely, without the fear of an ill-fitting denture or other removable restoration slipping in the mouth.
In your initial consultation with an implant dentist, you will review any health issues that may need to be addressed to ensure the success of the implant or implants. If you have gum disease, you will work with a periodontist to address any gum issues before your implant procedure. If you have insufficient bone mass in your jaw, bone grafts may be recommended, and, if you have certain underlying health issues that could compromise your healing, your dentist can help determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you; you and your dentist will plan your dental restoration procedure while accounting for these possibilities.
Dental implant surgery is a relatively simple procedure in which dental implants made of biocompatible material, such as titanium, are implanted into the bone of the jaw while the patient is anesthetized; you and your dentist may choose local anesthetic or general anesthetic, depending on the complexity and extent of your surgery. Once these implants are placed, they are given time to heal, and, during the healing process, the implants fuse with the bone in the jaw. Once the implants have fully healed, a dental bridge or other type of dental prosthetic is affixed to the implants, providing a stable and secure replacement that allows the patient to speak, eat, and smile with restored confidence and security.