When they were first introduced as an option for restorative dentistry, dental implants were used to create a replica of a single tooth and its root, relying on an implant post that was surgically placed in the jaw, where a tooth root would be, to support a natural-looking artificial tooth, called a dental crown. In the years since then, dental implants have proven to be one of the most popular options for people who want to replace missing teeth, and their popularity has led to vast developments in the materials and technology available for dental implants and increased the expertise of the dentists who keep up with these innovations. It’s not uncommon, more recently, for dentists to use a single dental implant post to support more than one replacement tooth, and some implant treatments can successfully support a full row of teeth with as few as two or four dental implants. In some cases, it may even be possible to retrofit an existing denture with attachments that affix it to dental implant posts. If you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth but you’re hesitating, it’s definitely worth it to ask your dentist for a referral to an implant dentist; you might find that there’s an appealing, reasonable option available to you.
These treatments depend on careful planning and expert execution, relying on careful implant positioning, but they can be particularly beneficial for patients who lack sufficient bone mass or density to support traditional implants, as well as patients who are missing multiple teeth but don’t have the time, capital, or stamina to invest in a full mouth of individual implants. Because the success of dental implants depends, in large part, on the condition of the bone in the jaw and the health of the gums, any dental implant treatment plan will involve a comprehensive examination with an implant dentist that will include x-rays and other digital images. These images allow the dentist to assess the health of the jaw and plan how to most strategically use the areas of healthy, stable bone. If you have active gum disease, you’ll see a periodontist to treat this condition before surgery can begin. If you lack sufficient bone mass for any type of dental implants, your dentist may recommend bone grafts and tissue regeneration therapies to strengthen the jaw in preparation for implants. In some cases, certain health conditions, especially those where the patient’s healing abilities are compromised, could make someone a poor candidate for dental implants.
By design, once dental implants are placed, they heal together with the bone and create a durable anchor that serves to further stimulate the growth of healthy bone surrounding the implant, creating long-term benefits and ensuring enduring success. This fusion of bone and implant is crucial to the success of the implant, and healing can take several months. Once the implant sites have healed, the gums are folded back to expose the tops of the implants, and the dental bridge, denture, or dental crown is affixed to the implant with an attachment abutment. The gums are allowed to heal around the abutment, adding to the lifelike appearance of dental implant restorations. With an effective oral hygiene technique, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, a double tooth implant could provide you with a lifetime of healthy, hearty smiles.