How Do Dental Implants Stay in Place?

At Stonegate Family Dentistry, we help many patients with missing teeth restore their oral functionality (and their smiles) by performing dental implants. It’s not rare that we get asked ‘But how do dental implants stay in place?’ by patients wanting to make sure that their dental implant is secure and will be with them for a very long time. 

In this article, we’re going to go into detail about how dental implants stay in place and how reliable they are so you can be more confident about how well dental implants can function just like natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants in Murfreesboro TN?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are made of biocompatible materials, typically titanium, which fuses with the surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. This integration provides a strong and durable foundation for the replacement teeth, resulting in a stable and natural-looking smile. Once the dental implant is stable enough, your dentist in Murfreesboro TN will fit the abutment and then the crown, thus completing the tooth restoration procedure. 

How Do Dental Implants  in Murfreesboro TN Stay in Place?

The process of how dental implants stay in place can be explained in several key steps:

1. Surgical Placement:Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure performed by a skilled oral surgeon or periodontist. The implant is carefully positioned in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth or teeth.

2. Osseointegration:After the implant is placed, a process called osseointegration occurs, during which the bone tissue in the jawbone fuses with the surface of the implant. This integration creates a secure bond between the implant and the surrounding bone, similar to the natural relationship between a tooth root and jawbone.

3. Healing Period:Following implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow osseointegration to occur fully. During this time, the bone tissue gradually grows and attaches to the implant, providing stability and strength.

4. Abutment Placement:Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. The abutment serves as a support structure for the replacement tooth or teeth that will be attached to the implant.

5. Restoration Placement: Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment to complete the dental restoration. The replacement teeth are carefully designed to match the size, shape, and color of the natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Overall, dental implants stay in place through a combination of surgical placement, osseointegration, and the support provided by the surrounding bone tissue. This process creates a stable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring oral function, and improving overall quality of life for patients. If you are considering dental implants as a treatment option for tooth replacement, consult with your dentist in 37129 to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Things to Avoid During the Healing Process

1. Smoking

Smoking can decrease the chances of success when you are getting a dental implant and prevent the implant from properly fusing with the jawbone. Therefore, it is advisable that you quit using tobacco products before and after the dental implant procedure. 

2. Applying Pressure on the Implants

While the dental implant is in the process of fusing with the jawbone, you should avoid applying pressure to it. Applying too much pressure can cause the implant to come loose. Therefore, you should be mindful when eating crunchy or hard foods and wear a mouthguard if you are playing any contact sports. Call us to learn more.

What Happens if I Have Severe Bone Loss?

In severe cases of gum disease and tooth decay, the jawbone can be so badly affected that it can no longer support a dental implant. The solution to this problem is called bone grafting. 

Through bone grafting, the oral surgeon can take a piece of bone from somewhere else in the body and place it in the jawbone to increase its density and ensure that there is enough bone mass to support a dental implant. 

The procedure is carried out under anesthesia and does not cause any pain or discomfort.

Once the bone graft is integrated into the jawbone, you will be able to go ahead with the dental implant procedure and fully restore your missing teeth. 

At Stonegate Family Dentistry, we specialize in all types of dental procedures including dental implants. If you would like to know more about how we can help, please call Dentist in Murfreesboro TN at (615) 624-6919, book an appointment online, or visit us at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.