Implants (prosthesis phases)
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is made from metal called titanium or an alloy of it. It can be placed into jawbone in a minor and relatively painless surgical procedure. The procedure involves three steps. First, a small metal root is surgically placed beneath the gum into the jawbone to serve as anchor for the post that will eventually support the permanent replacement tooth. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia in the dental office. The healing process can take eight to twelve weeks to complete. Once the jawbone has firmly healed around the implant, an abutment or post is attached to the implant. The post protrudes through the gumline and serves as an anchor for the replacement tooth. And finally, after your gums have healed, a replacement tooth will be securely attached to the post.
In our office, Dr. Zheng will perform the post and final restoration steps. The implant placement will be done by an oral surgery specialist.
All implant materials are compatible with body tissue and are placed into the jaw bone like natural tooth roots. Because dental implants are patterned after the structure of your natural teeth, they provide a highly stable support system for the replacement teeth.
Discuss with Dr. Zheng to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
