In the not too distant past if you lost a tooth or teeth the options were dentures or bridgework, neither one of which were perfect. Today there is a far better option and that is dental implants in Charleston, WV. Once the procedure is finished, the implant looks and feels like a natural tooth as it should, it has a root the same as your other teeth. The implant is a titanium peg which is surgically implanted in the jaw bone, over time they merge with the bone and duplicate a tooth root.
The amount of time, hence the number of dental appointments is based on a few factors:
* Overall dental health
* How many teeth are involved?
* Which teeth are involved?
* Is the tooth already missing or is an extraction necessary?
A single tooth implant typically takes two hours from beginning to end and includes the time it takes for the anesthesia to take effect.
Is the procedure painful?
Like all surgery there will be discomfort but during the actual implant procedure the dentist will use a local anesthesia or sedation dentistry can be used if there is any discomfort. Many people who have dental implants in Charleston, WV are pleasantly surprised at just how little discomfort they actually do have and even at that, there are pain medications readily available.
After the treatment is finished you can expect some minor bruising and swelling of the gum and soft tissue but in most cases you can return to work the following day.
The procedure:
The dentist prepares the area for the implant by making a small incision in the gum, exposing the jaw bone. A drill is used to prepare the jaw bone to accept the titanium implant. Once the jaw bone has been prepared the implant is screwed into the bone, a second component is then screwed into the implant, this stays in place while the implant bonds with the jaw bone which may take a couple of months.
Once the implant is secure, a small extension is fitted and impressions are taken. With the impressions the dental lab can make a perfect crown which fits on the top of the “new root”. The new tooth implant is cared for no different than your natural teeth, brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups as normal.
