Kansas City dentist, Dentist in Kansas City,

Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming more popular and more widely used for a number of reasons. Implants offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. An implant offers you the opportunity to regain normal tooth function without using a bridge or a denture.

Benefits

· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with your existing bone.

· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.

· Implants are aesthetically pleasing.

· You will no longer have discomfort or pain while talking or eating.

· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.

· Implants have a proven scientific basis.

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth below the gum line. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step is the surgical placement of the implant. With the use of dental anesthesia, Dr. Williams places the implant into the jawbone and the gum tissue is sutured closed. Usually there is no significant discomfort with this procedure. This process will take between 1 and 3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

Your implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months to allow the bone to grow around the implant. This is called osseointegration. A removable crown may be utilized during this time to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.

The next step is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown. Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. Your completed implant will be fully functional, comfortable and natural looking.