A Dental implant dentist is a specialist who works with patients to replace missing teeth and restore their function. This is done by placing titanium posts, which are the equivalent of a tooth’s root, in the jaw bone. After the site heals, a replacement “false tooth” (called a crown) is attached to the post. Dental implants can also be used to replace multiple teeth and are much more comfortable than conventional bridges or dentures.

What are the 3 stages of dental implants?

When assessing whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, the oral surgeon considers factors such as the number of missing teeth, health history and lifestyle. People with uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes or leukemia, may not be good candidates for surgery. Those who smoke also may not be, since smoking slows healing.

During the dental implant procedure, an oral surgeon prepares the site of the new implant by drilling into the bone where the tooth root once was. The drill’s sharpness and sequence and surgical technique are crucial in achieving healthy, stable bone that promotes healing. The doctor then places the dental implant post and a metal spacer, called an abutment, on which the replacement tooth will be placed.

Although dental implants have a very high success rate, they can fail to fuse to the bone or become infected. Infections can be prevented by good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to the dental office. The patient should contact the office immediately if any discomfort, redness or swelling occurs.