A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth surgically inserted into the mouth to replace both the root and crown of the missing tooth or multiple teeth. Missing teeth can throw your bite out of alignment, altering your facial shape. They can also impact your smile.
They consist of two main parts — the implant post and the implant restoration. The implant post replaces the tooth root, anchoring the tooth to your jawbone and performing the same functions as your original tooth root in stimulating the supporting bone. The implant restoration replaces the crown of the missing tooth. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing, this restoration could be a single crown, a dental bridge or a denture.
While there are several options for tooth replacement available, dental implants are the ideal option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile and oral function. They look natural and are meant to last for a long time. Dr. Kenneth Yost is one of the most highly recognized and trained experts in this area.
During his general practice residency, Dr. Yost was introduced to the field of implant dentistry and was in one of the first classes to be trained in the Brånemark technique, completing advanced training in the placement of dental implants.
He has continued to pursue advanced continuing education to stay up to date with the latest innovations in implant dentistry as well as cutting-edge technologies that aid in this treatment.
How does the process work? The following describes the steps and benefits of implant dentistry.
Dental Implant Evaluation:
Dr. Yost will start with a thorough inspection of your jawbone and discuss the optimal dental implant procedure options for your situation. This initial evaluation includes X-rays, taking impressions, and matching the color of your teeth to make your implant look as natural as possible. Dr. Yost will also discuss all your medications and medical conditions. Depending on your condition or orthopedic implants, antibiotics before the surgery may be necessary to avoid infection.
After you decide how many teeth you want to replace with implants, preparations will be made for the next step of removing the teeth that will be replaced.
Tooth Extraction:
Dr. Yost will explain the process in detail and explain the anesthesia options. You can have this done at the same time as the implant insertion.
The most common is a local anesthetic of novocaine or lidocaine to numb the area and eliminate pain. It is a quick process to remove a tooth unless it’s fractured. There will be a little tug and pressure while each tooth is extracted. After the extraction is completed, Dr. Yost will advise you avoid smoking, rinsing your mouth out, blowing your nose or drinking through a straw. The aim is to avoid a dry socket and pain.
Dental Implant Insertion:
The dental implants consist of two main parts — the implant post and the implant restoration. The implant post replaces the tooth root, anchoring the tooth to your jawbone and performing the same functions as your original tooth root in stimulating the supporting bone. The implant restoration replaces the crown of the missing tooth. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing, this restoration could be a single crown, a dental bridge or a denture.
Your strength of your jaw is important due to the amount of pressure applied when you chew, and because the bone protects the dental implant. If your jaw needs to be supplemented with extra bone, this bone typically comes from another area of your jawbone away from the implant area.
It may be necessary to let the bone heal first if you have a graft before you can add the implant. Once the bone heals, Dr. Yost will add the implant.
After the implant is added to your jawbone, the jawbone will begin to grow around the implant. The implant then becomes part of your natural gum line. This process length varies by person.
Abutment Placement:
Once the dental implant is stable, Dr. Yost can place an abutment on top of the implant. This piece connects the implant to the crown of the tooth. The abutment is tightened to avoid any discomfort or difficulty while eating.
Depending on your situation, Dr. Yost can add the abutment at the same time as the implant. To eliminate visibility of the abutment when you smile, Dr. Yost will add a healing cap.
Permanent Crown:
The next step would be the creation of your artificial tooth or crown. They can be removable implant or permanent. For example, if multiple back teeth are being replaced, it may make sense to go with the removable option so you can clean and replace if needed. If it is permanent, it is screwed in the abutment or glued down.
This is not a minor procedure, but the success rate is very high and Dr. Yost has years of experience taking care of dental implant patients.
The jawbone needs to heal during this process which requires multiple steps. Dental implants are not down in one visit.
Dr. Yost will also discuss temporary options – temporary crowns, retainers or dental flippers before the long term crown is implemented
Post-Procedure:
Keeping up good hygiene habits is also vital to protect dental implants. Twice a day teeth brushing and daily flossing is recommended.
You may have some discomfort after the procedure. That is natural. Dr. Yost and the staff will work with you and address your needs.
Dr. Yost is dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental implant care possible in order to fully restore your smile and oral health.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for the initial evaluation.
