Implant restoration is a four-part procedure performed on people missing one or more teeth. The first part is a minor surgery that inserts a titanium post (the implant) into the jawbone. The second part attaches the abutment (connector) to the implant. The third part takes an impression of the dental area used for making the crown or denture, depending on the number of teeth missing. The final part attaches the crown or denture to the implant.
At Atlantic Dentistry, Dr. Sebastien Murphy recommends dental implant restoration to patients looking for a permanent solution to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
Restorative dentistry, such as this procedure, takes time. The dental implant needs to fully heal before the crown or denture can be attached. This can take anywhere from four to six months. However, many doctors and patients agree it is the best and most comfortable solution to preserve dental and jawbone health.
How Implant Restoration Works
When you come in for your consultation at Atlantic Dentistry, Dr. Sebastien Murphy will perform a thorough examination to determine the best solution to fill the gap left behind by your missing teeth and answer any questions you may have.
Depending on the bone health, you may need to do a bone graft before the implant is inserted to make sure there is enough healthy bone around your implant to keep it in place. Otherwise, the implant will be inserted directly through your gums into your jawbone. This is considered a minor surgical procedure where you will be given some form of anesthesia.
Then, you will be sent home with a prescription of painkillers and antibiotics as well as a diet plan of soft foods and liquids. For the next six months, you will have a gap in your mouth as your implant integrates with your jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. This process can take up to six months but will permanently fuse the titanium implant to the bone surrounding it.
Once this implant has healed completely, the abutment is placed. Also known as caps or cuffs, this piece is attached to the end of the exposed titanium post. Depending on your restoration plan, the abutment can be placed at the same time the implant is inserted or afterward. It can take an additional four to six weeks for your gums to heal around it.
After this is fully healed, an impression of the area will be taken to create a custom-fit crown, partial or complete denture as required.
Finally, once the crown or denture is ready, you can come in and have it fitted permanently to the implant.
Benefits of Implant Restoration
Implant restoration offers several benefits that can make it the ideal option for you and your lifestyle. These include:
| • | Providing a long-term solution of over 15 years. |
| • | Preserving the density of your jawbone. |
| • | Easier to maintain and manage than temporary solutions. |
| • | Restoring a natural look to your smile. |
| • | Requiring fewer dietary restrictions. |
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Atlantic Dentistry, give us a call at 904 717-0335 today for a consultation to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.