Getting a Dental Implant? What to Know About the Process

There are many ways that dentists can fill a gap when a tooth is missing. One of the options available is dental implant installation. Dental implants look and perform like natural teeth, because they’re inserted into the jaw through a surgical procedure.

If you have questions about dental implants, your dentist in Sugarland, TX, can help. At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer dental implant installation to restore your smile when you’re missing a permanent tooth.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a type of prosthetic tooth. Implants are made up of three pieces: the screw, abutment, and crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that’s visible over the surface of the gum. Dental crowns are made from impressions of the mouth and are customized to fit perfectly in the space where there is a missing tooth so the implant looks natural.

How Are Dental Implants Installed?

Dental implants are installed through a series of procedures performed at the dental office. The patient needs healing time between procedures, so full installation can take several months.

First, the patient is evaluated to determine whether they have sufficient jaw bone density and volume to hold the implant in place. If the patient’s jaw has lost volume due to problems like periodontal disease, bone grafting is required before the implant can be installed.

Next, the screw is installed. This is done through a surgical procedure wherein the dentist cuts through the gum and drills a hole into the jaw.

The abutment installation is performed after the screw has fused with the jaw bone. The dentist will cut open the gum and install the abutment on the screw. Finally, the crown is installed.

While the gum and jaw are healing between procedures, the dentist will give you a partial denture.

How Long Does Dental Implant Installation Take?

Dental implant installation can take anywhere from five months to a year, depending on whether the jaw is healthy. Some patients take longer than others to heal, so this too affects how long the installation takes.

Interested in Dental Implants? Contact Us Today

Are you a good candidate for dental implants in Sugarland, TX? The professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help. Call today to make an appointment and learn more.