Surgically inserted titanium posts in the jawbone act as a strong, long-lasting base for artificial teeth, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, which replace missing teeth. In a process known as osseointegration, dental implants Little Rock AR then bond with the bone and function similarly to natural tooth roots, enhancing both functionality and appearance. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
The Process of Having Dental Implants Installed
Discover whether you Qualify for Dental Implants.
Numerous individuals who have lost teeth are eligible for dental implants Little Rock AR. Failed root canals, accidents, and various medical conditions including cancer have resulted in tooth loss for certain patients. Patients who wear bridges or dentures may be dissatisfied with their appearance and comfort, prompting a desire for a more comfortable and functional option.
Discuss Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Individuals with unmanaged periodontal disease are not suitable for dental implants Little Rock AR procedures as it damages the gums, surrounding bone, and adjacent teeth, ultimately causing additional harm to the mouth. Individuals with diabetes are generally at a greater risk of developing periodontal disease and will require tailored, professional treatment.
Implant placement can be compromised by tobacco use due to the risk of oral infections associated with it. The flow of blood to the gums is restricted by nicotine, and it also impairs the body’s immune system, thereby hindering the healing process. Smoking impairs the progressive healing of bone tissue surrounding the implant, which can lead to premature failure or loss of the implant in certain instances.
Chronic conditions that are not being managed. If left untreated, certain conditions can hinder the successful integration of dental implants Little Rock AR into the jaw due to a slower healing and integration process. Chronic conditions that are included are diabetes, heart disease, cancer, long-term steroid therapy, certain bone diseases, and certain neurological conditions like advanced Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Creating a Comprehensive Plan for your Dental Implant Procedure
Treatment for gum disease or the extraction of a few teeth may be part of that plan. Losing teeth or having them extracted also results in the loss of jawbone, and robust, healthy jawbones are necessary to support an implant. As a result, treatment planning entails taking X-rays to evaluate the amount of bone present in both upper and lower jaws and deciding if a bone graft is necessary.
Initiating your Dental Implant Treatment
On the day of the procedure, you will rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine, an antiseptic designed to lower bacterial counts and decrease the risk of infection. Next, we will remove the existing teeth and may need to perform a bone graft. Bone grafts can originate from either your own body or a xenograft, which is carefully processed cadaver bone from a human or an animal such as a cow. Bone may be taken from your hip, jaw, or chin for a graft from your body, depending on how much bone is required.
Small grafts can be simultaneously placed at the time of the implant. Generally, after the graft is positioned, a period of four to six months is necessary for sufficient healthy bone to develop and support the implant.
Following this time frame, the surgeon will then drill into the newly formed bone where the dental implants Little Rock AR post – equivalent to a tooth’s root – will be situated. A metal spacers known as abutments are placed on implants to facilitate the easy fabrication and placement of crowns.
The post and abutment are manufactured from titanium, a material capable of forming a union with the bone. One practical advantage of titanium is its inability to trigger metal detectors. It may take several months for the implant and bone to bond into a solid foundation for your new tooth and for the gum to recover around the abutment. Next, we will fix your new artificial tooth to the abutment.
