782 North Main Street Suite E
A dental implant is a great way to replace a lost tooth and maintain healthy jaw structure.
You will need to have enough bone to anchor the dental implant. This might require you to have a bone graft procedure a few months in advance. Your dentist or periodontist can determine if you need a bone graft.
The first step of the process usually requires a series of X-rays or CT scans. This gives us insight on just how much bone is left and just what kind of placement procedures you might need. The dental implant procedure itself can be performed on an outpatient basis.
During the procedure, a narrow channel is made into the bone. A titanium post or abutment is then inserted. Titanium is the preferred metal as it is known for being very biologically safe and in fact will integrate with the bone over time in a process known as osseointegration.
Once the abutment is anchored in place, the oral surgeon or periodontist will cover it with a temporary cap.
Your dentist will later take an impression of the area. The impression is sent out to a dental lab where the lab technicians will make a crown that will match your smile and personal bite pattern.
If you have questions about the dental implant procedure or if you are curious whether it might be right for you, please feel free to call us at 951-898-5658 to schedule an appointment.