How Do Dental Implants Work and How Are They Made

Restore your smile with dental implant services. Find out how dental implants work, how they are made, and what to expect during implant oral surgery. 

How do dental implants work?

Whether you need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants are the best tooth-replacement option if you want to achieve a natural-looking smile. 

Dental implants are like substitute tooth roots, except they are made out of titanium and are carefully placed into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. 

There are several different types of dental implant services, including:

Single tooth replacement 

If you only have a single missing tooth, a dental implant is a great choice. The oral surgery required for single tooth replacement is very straightforward as it is not necessary to prepare neighboring teeth to support the bridges. Furthermore, the implant tooth can be looked after in exactly the same way as your natural teeth. 

Multiple teeth replacement 

If you need multiple replacement teeth, these can be replaced with bridgework that is supported by dental implants. Once again, this oral surgery is fairly simple as it is not necessary to prepare your natural teeth to support the bridgework. 

Full teeth replacement

There are many reasons why someone might lose all their teeth, including gum disease, dental decay, and trauma. Due to advances in modern dentistry, it is now possible to replace all your teeth with full dental implants in a single day. 

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Due to the fact that the titanium in the implants is fused with your jawbone, the implants will not slip, make a noise or cause bone damage in the same way that full or partial dentures can. 

You might be a good candidate for our dental services Asheville if:

• You have one or more missing teeth
• Your jawbone has reached full growth
• You have sufficient bone to secure the implants, or you are able to undergo bone grating 
• You have healthy gum tissue
• You have a healthy medical history and no underlying health conditions that may affect bone healing  
• You cannot or do not want to wear dentures
• You are willing to commit several months to the process
• You do not smoke 

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are specifically designed to take the place of missing teeth and are made up of three different parts:

The crown. This is the part of the dental implant that looks like your natural teeth. A crown is usually made of ceramic material and is designed to blend in with the rest of your smile. 

The connector. This is often referred to as the abutment, and it is what secures the crown of the implant to the base. 

The base. This is typically a screw made of titanium that fuses with your natural jaw bone to provide a stable base for your implant. 

How to prepare for dental implant oral surgery

If you have decided that dental implants are the right choice for you, then now you need to prepare yourself for dental implant surgery. 

Often dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, so you will have to go through a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process. This may include:

• A comprehensive dental exam including dental x-rays, 3D images and models made of your natural teeth and jaw.
• A review of your medical history. Your oral surgeon will ask for detailed information about your health and any medications that you take.  
• A bespoke treatment plan. This will be based on your dental needs and your overall oral health. 

To manage any pain or discomfort, your dentist will also talk to you about your anesthesia options during surgery, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation. 

What to expect during dental implant surgery

Typically, dental implant services are carried out on an outpatient basis, so you do not need to stay in overnight. The process of placing an implant involves the following steps:

1. The removal of the damaged tooth or teeth
2. The preparation of the jawbone known as grafting 
3. The placement of the dental implant 
4. The bone growth and healing
5. The abutment placement 
6. The artificial tooth or teeth placement

This entire process can take several months to complete, much of which will be taken up by the healing and growth of new bone in your jaw.

Will you need a bone graft?

If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support the implant, you may need to undergo bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. Several different bone graft materials can be used to rebuild your jawbone, including bone from another part of your body or synthetic bone. Your dental specialist will be able to talk you through each option and help you decide which one is best for you. 

How to care for dental implants

Dental implants are slightly more susceptible to medical issues than natural teeth, so you need to make sure that you practice good oral hygiene and care for your implants in the right way. 

Once you have had your oral surgery and your mouth has fully healed, make sure you carry out the following:

• Floss each day as this will remove any plaque bacteria that could lead to gum disease and potentially cause bone or tooth loss. 
• Pay careful attention when brushing your implant but do not brush vigorously as this can cause damage.
• Do not smoke. Smoking makes your gums more prone to infection, which can cause problems with your implant. Stop smoking will also help your dental implants to last longer. 
• See your dentist immediately if you have any gum issues such as bleeding gums when brushing, sore gums, bad breath, or gums that pull back to reveal tooth rot. 

If you have any questions about dental implant services or any aspect of the oral surgery involved, contact us here. One of our experienced dental specialists will be happy to help you.