Implant Dentist Services: From Consultation to Final Crown

An implant dentist will consult on options to replace your missing teeth. While a great many dental problems can be patched with veneers or repaired with crowns, sometimes the tooth cannot be saved. In these situations, the remains of the tooth must be entirely removed. The resultant gap can compromise chewing and damage the patient's smile.

Initial consultation

During the first visit, the implant dentist will discuss the treatment in detail before examining the jaw. It is essential that this area of the patient's mouth be clear of infection and the jawbone be healthy. In cases of advanced tooth decay, removing the tooth may be a measure to prevent infection from reaching the jaw. The ideal candidate for implants arrives before dental problems spread to the jawline.

What are implants anyway?

Implants are artificial replacement teeth, usually composed of ceramic zirconia. Older implants were made of porcelain, which has been used in dentistry for many purposes since the 1800s. Both of these materials, zirconia and porcelain, closely resemble the appearance of the natural tooth. They are also durable and long-lasting. With proper care, these materials can both last for decades. It is also possible to make implants out of gold, which has a distinct aesthetic that some people enjoy.

The false tooth component is mounted on a titanium rod. Titanium is an incredibly strong metal that is immune to rust and does not cause adverse reactions in the patient's body. It is thus an ideal material to serve as the root of the implant. The replacement is also inserted into the gap between the natural teeth, while the titanium rod is anchored deep in the jawbone.

When to use implants

The time to consider implants is usually when the tooth has been removed to prevent an infection from spreading. This occurs when damage or decay allows bacteria to penetrate the tooth. Besides damaging and eventually destroying the tooth, infection can spread to the gum. From there, it can enter the jawbone and cause significant damage. Removing the tooth is a final resort to treat or prevent these infections. The gap left in the teeth can then be filled with a permanent implant.

Preparing the area

Once the tooth is removed, the surrounding area must be thoroughly cleaned. The implant dentist will check the adjacent teeth and treat any other problems found there. Only when the area is thoroughly clean and free from infection is it ready for the implants. This stage necessarily involves a professional deep cleaning at the dental clinic. The dentist will use a powerful rotary brush and other tools to ensure maximum cleanliness in the mouth. From there, the implant can be permanently installed.