Kansas City dentist, Dentist in Kansas City, MO

Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming more popular in today's dental society for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new teeth where their natural teeth are missing. It can be thought of as an artificial root on which a new tooth can be built. For many patients, implants are far more desireable than either bridges or partial dentures.

Benefits

· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.

· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.

· Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.

· You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.

· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy(loss).

· Implants have a proven scientific basis.

Procedure

A tooth has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline, the crown is the section that you can see. A dental implant acts as the root portion of the tooth that will support a crown that will be placed in the near future.

The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the oral surgeon/periodontist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left to heal for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. On occasion, a removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.

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