Let's Talk About Dental Implants!

A dental implant is an advanced and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. It consists of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as an artificial root, with a crown, bridge, or denture placed on top to restore function and appearance. The dental implant mimics the look and feel of natural teeth, offering a long-lasting and reliable alternative to traditional tooth replacements like dentures and bridges.

The dental implant treatment process at Blue Pearl Dentistry is intricate and typically occurs in several stages, each of which is designed to ensure the success and longevity of the implant. The first stage begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation with Dr. Huang. During this appointment, Dr. Huang will examine the patient's oral health, often using a CT scan to gain a detailed 3D image of the jawbone and surrounding structures. The CT scan provides precise information on the bone density and anatomy of the patient's jaw, which is essential for planning the correct placement of the dental implant. Additionally, a surgical guide is often created using the data from the CT scan. This guide is a customized template that helps Dr. Huang place the dental implant at the optimal angle and depth, ensuring accurate and safe placement.

If the patient’s jawbone has experienced significant bone loss due to injury or prolonged tooth loss, a bone graft may be required before proceeding with the dental implant surgery. A bone graft involves using synthetic bone materials to rebuild and strengthen the jawbone. The bone graft provides a solid foundation for the dental implant, allowing it to integrate properly with the jawbone. Bone grafts are crucial for ensuring that the implant has adequate support, as a weak or thin jawbone can jeopardize the success of the dental implant.

Following the bone graft procedure, a period of healing is necessary to allow the newly grafted bone to fuse with the existing bone in the jaw. This process can take several months. Once healing is complete, the dentist can proceed with the placement of the dental implant post. However, in some cases, additional procedures may be needed to support the gums and bone. Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure that involves placing a special membrane over the area where bone loss has occurred, promoting the growth of new tissue and bone in the treatment area. Guided tissue regeneration encourages the healing of the gum and bone around the dental implant, ensuring that the implant remains securely in place over time.

Once the dental implant is securely placed and the bone has integrated, the next stage involves attaching an abutment to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the dental implant post and the final restoration, which may be a crown, bridge, or denture. Finally, after the gum tissue has healed, the restoration is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth perfectly, offering a natural and functional replacement for the missing tooth.

The dental implant process at Blue Pearl Dentistry is a series of carefully planned steps that ensures the placement of a stable and durable tooth replacement. CT scans and surgical guides play a crucial role in accurately positioning the implant, while procedures like bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration are sometimes necessary to ensure the implant has a solid foundation. These steps work together to provide a reliable and effective solution for restoring a patient’s smile.

Please call Blue Pearl Dentistry for more information on implants and scheduling an appointment!