Despite major advancements in dental care, millions of people around the country still experience tooth loss—mostly because of injury, periodontal disease, or tooth decay. For decades, the only available treatment options were dentures and dental bridges. These days, however, many patients opt for dental implant surgery to permanently correct their tooth loss. 

If you’re looking for a tooth replacement solution in Alaska, Anchorage Dental Center provides patients with a full range of family dentistry treatments, ranging from tooth cleaning and fillings to denture fitting and dental implants. Here, they provide a brief overview of the latter.

A Guide to Dental Implants

Placement

Dental implant installation involves the replacement of tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts. These implants serve as a solid foundation for removable or permanent teeth that are specifically designed to appear and act like natural teeth.

During the procedure, a dental implant will be surgically inserted into the jawbone where it will serve as the root of your replacement tooth. The titanium in the implant will eventually fuse to your jawbone, ensuring the implant does not slip, cause bone damage, or make noise as dentures or bridges often do.

Following the initial placement, you will still have a gap, though a partial denture may be provided for appearance. This denture should be removed while you sleep and for cleaning purposes.

Bone Growth

Once the dental implant has been placed, osseointegration—the fusing of the titanium implant and jawbone—will commence. The process, which often takes several months, will serve as a solid foundation for your new tooth, just like a natural root.

Abutment Placement

When osseointegration has concluded, additional surgery may be required to place the abutment—the piece that will eventually attach the crown. This simple procedure is generally performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia.

Your New Tooth

Once the abutment is in place, the gums will need one or two weeks to heal before the new tooth can be attached. After your gums have healed, impressions will be taken and used to create the crown—your artificial replacement tooth. Together, you and your dentist can determine whether the artificial tooth will be fixed or removable.

Discussing tooth replacement options with your dentist is the first step in the dental implant process. If you’re considering the procedure, Anchor Dental Center can help. Schedule an appointment today by calling (907) 278-2521 or visit them online to learn more about their family dentistry practice.