Dental implants are one of the best teeth replacements available in the field of dentistry. That is because they are a comprehensive solution to missing teeth, restoring a lost tooth from root to crown. However, it is understandable why people can become apprehensive or wary about the implant treatment process as it is extensive.
Dr. Thomas Bower wants the people in his Bradford community to gain a full understanding of the dental implant process. That is why our dentist from the office of Thomas J. Bower, DMD, has answered the most common questions his patients ask regarding implant treatment.
How many stages are there to implant treatment?
In total there are four stages of implant treatment: the consultation, placement, healing, and restoration. The first step is when your dentist examines your smile and determines the best way to approach dental implants. The second phase is the actual procedure. This is when your dentist inserts the implant posts into the jawbone to provide a stable, strong foundation for the restoration.
Stage three which is healing is necessary to ensure the biocompatible titanium post properly fuses with surrounding hard tissues. The last step to implant treatment is the restoration, which your dentist will help you find one that suits your needs and meets your aesthetic goals.
Why are dental implants considered one of the best teeth replacement options?
Dental implants are renowned for their ability to completely replace a tooth. The post placed in the jawbone acts as the tooth’s missing root, so it keeps surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty void. Implant treatment also keeps adjacent bone from going through a process known as resorption where surrounding hard tissues are used to fill the space left by the lost tooth root. This can cause a person to appear prematurely aged and have a shrunken facial aesthetic.
What makes someone an eligible candidate for dental implants?
Those who are the ideal candidates for dental implants have the following:
- Adequate oral health
- Sufficient jawbone mass
- Do not want to or cannot wear traditional prosthetics
- One or missing teeth
What is the success rate of implant treatment?
The implant placement success rate is 95 percent nationwide. However, it is important to ask for the success rate of the dental practice you want to undergo the procedure at. This is because the rate of achievement for bone and post-integration differentiates from office to office. Even if you continue with the implant placement procedure and the jawbone does not correctly integrate with the biocompatible post you may undergo the surgery once again.
If you wish to know more about dental implants, contact the office of Thomas J. Bower, DMD. Our dentist, Dr. Bower, helps patients on the path to obtaining complete, healthy smiles. Our dental team wishes to help everyone in our Bradford community achieve optimal oral health and aesthetic.