Implant Restoration
 Sometimes the curve-ball life throws at us can manage to hit us square in the jaw, which may result in a dislodged tooth. If you bring it to us right away, of course, we should be able to fix it, but what about when the tooth is damaged beyond repair, or you just could not find it? We here at Geelan Dental Care have good news about implants that you may be able to appreciate.
What Are Implants?
Titanium was first used in medical procedures in the early part of the twentieth century after it was discovered that it was biocompatible with human tissue. Titanium can be used with an alloy to enhance its attributes, which may ensure better restoration. Through a process called osseointegration, the metal and bone can fuse.
Dental implants are composed of three parts, which are the screw, the abutment, and the crown. The titanium screw is inserted into your jaw to integrate. Once it has bonded, the abutment connects an artificial crown to the screw. The crown is usually made of porcelain or ceramic and can be as strong as your own enamel.
Because the screw may become permanent, not only does this make your implant more secure, but you should find with proper care, your new tooth could last you for a very long time. Many satisfied patients believe a dental implant can be as close to a natural tooth as you can get. Not only does it look real, but it does not need to be removed so you can go on with your oral routine as usual.
Caring for Your Implants
Just because they are not real does not mean they can be neglected. The implants are inside of your jawbone, fused with an artificial titanium root that may become a permanent replacement for the actual tooth. This means that rather than resorbing your jawbone which may cause deterioration of the surrounding bone, the implant can encourage regeneration which may provide a stronger foundation for the rest of your teeth.
If we notice that your Dental Implant has been compromised, we will work immediately to fix it. If the crown becomes cracked, it can usually be repaired with a bonding glue and does not take long to restore. However, if the damage is more serious, we may need to craft a new crown for you. It is not difficult to do but cannot be repaired as quickly as it can with bonding glue. We may need to take x-rays to make sure the implant was not affected by the broken crown.
If the implant becomes loose or does not seem to be doing well, it may be necessary to replace the screw. If we detect bone loss, you may need a graft which could take several months to heal before the implant can even be considered. Taking care of your mouth and prosthetic through brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods can prevent your implant from failing. For more information about implant restoration, please stop by our office here at Geelan Dental Care with your questions, or just give us a call at (971) 323-1990 to schedule an appointment.
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