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Your Dentist in Oklahoma City Explains Implant Terms and the Process

April 4, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — bluffcreekteam @ 3:00 pm

An illustration of dental implants.Dental implants may seem complicated at first. There are a few parts that most people aren’t aware of until they begin considering tooth replacement treatment. However, once your dentist in Oklahoma City explains all the individual parts and what they do, you’ll have a better understanding of how the process works. You’ll also find out how long each step of the treatment typically takes.

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Pretty soon, you’ll be eating your favorite foods and showing off your new smile in no time!

Key Dental Implant Terms

Before we talk about the process, there are a few implant terms you should be aware of first. Your dentist will mention them during your consultation, but it always helps to be familiar with them before your meeting.

  • Implant – This is the titanium post that sits inside your jaw and integrates with your bone. Typically, your dentist will most likely use an endosteal implant, as this is the most common implant used in dentistry. It usually holds a single prosthetic tooth, but it can also be used to hold a bridge and even dentures when paired with multiple implants.
  • Abutment – This is the connector between your implant and your crown. Also known as a healing cap, this part is placed after the implant has sufficiently integrated with your bone.
  • Crown – Also called a cap, this is the restoration that goes on top of the abutment. While they typically fit over existing teeth, they’re also used for dental implants.

Placement

Before performing any surgery, your dentist considers the precise size and shape of your jaw. This helps him determine the best approach during the placement phase. This brief oral procedure is completed in a single visit and involves placing the implant beneath the gum line. You’ll also be given local anesthesia and sedation as needed to make the procedure more comfortable.

Once placed, the implant will begin a process known as osseointegration. This fusion between titanium and bone is crucial to the success of your implant and typically takes anywhere from three to six months to complete. During this time, you should be taking very special care of the treatment area by brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily.

Restoration

Once the implant has integrated, your dentist will reopen that specific area of your gums to place the abutment. This acts as the foundation for your crown. After a couple weeks of healing, your restoration will have been fabricated and we can place your crown on top. Pretty soon, you’ll be reaping the many benefits that dental implant patients rave about!

Want to learn more about the process for dental implants or determine your eligibility? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Oklahoma City today!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. To make the implant process more convenient for patients, he pursued an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program specifically geared towards dental implants. Today, he’s highly trained and experienced in placing implants entirely in-office. To learn more about his practice, contact him at (405) 751-5515 or visit his website.

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