An implant dentistry Spanish Fort AL is a small, screw-shaped post typically made from biocompatible material, often titanium, surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a substitute tooth root. Over a period of several months, the jawbone fuses with the implant through a process known as osseointegration, resulting in a stable base. Next, an abutment and a custom-made crown are attached to the implant, resulting in a natural-looking and functional artificial tooth that assists in restoring chewing ability and appearance.
The Process
Prior to commencing any work, you are required to undergo an initial implant dentistry Spanish Fort AL consultation with a prosthodontist. A specialist, or a general dentist with special training in implant placement and restoration, will decide whether you are eligible for implant dentistry or not.
Comprehensive Examination: Your dentist will conduct a detailed review of your dental and medical history during the examination. In addition to creating impressions of your gums and teeth, he will also take dental x-rays, focusing on the jaw area where the missing tooth or teeth are located.
A CT scan of the mouth may also be necessary for the dentist to determine the extent of the dental condition. The device helps him determine how much jawbone is available for implantation, or if bone grafts are required, especially for individuals with a weak jaw or chin who need bone augmentation.
The CT scan also helps in identifying structures like sinuses and nerves that should be avoided during implant surgery. The last thing you want is to experience nerve damage or a broken sinus while trying to recover a tooth you’ve lost through restorative methods.
Bone Grafting
If an x-ray or CT scan shows there’s insufficient bone in the jaw to support an implant, the dentist can explore alternatives for bone augmentation or reinforcement.
As mentioned in the preceding sections, grafting may be necessary to guarantee there is sufficient bone for the post to secure itself into. If not done correctly, the dental implant procedure can fail and the implant may become dislodged when regular biting forces from the human jaw are applied.
Understanding
When bone grafting for jaw augmentation, the implant dentistry Spanish Fort AL procedure usually involves obtaining bone from another part of your jaw, hip, or chin, either from a donor or through synthetic bone material (calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite), which is then added to your jaw to enable an implant to securely anchor itself in your mouth, similar to a natural tooth root. Processed pig, cow, or human cadaver bones can also be utilized.
A bone distraction differs from a bone graft in that it is a surgical procedure that prompts the body to produce additional bone at the site requiring it, as opposed to implanting bone material and fusing it with the jawbone. The process involves utilizing pins and screws to separate existing bone, prompting the body to generate additional bone tissue to fill any resulting voids.
It is likely to take four to twelve months for the bone to be prepared for grafting and implantation before proceeding with the dental implant procedure.
Single-Stage Procedure
Those with impatience for the lengthy waiting times associated with a standard implant dentistry Spanish Fort AL procedure can opt for one-stage implant dentistry as an alternative. Availability of the procedure depends on the clinic or the dentist performing the implant surgery.
In one visit, your dentist will place the implant, abutment, and either a temporary crown or a temporary bridge. The gum healing process must proceed alongside an already established implant setup, without healing caps being present.
On the bright side, the dentist won’t have to perform repeated incisions and stitches within a three to six-month timeframe. This approach, however, comes with the risk of complications because traditional implants enable your body to adapt more effectively to the placement of the implant compared to a one-step dental implant procedure.
