The Factors Behind Tooth Loss
We could lose natural teeth as a result of factors like injury, severe cavities or infection, or in most cases, periodontitis, the advanced stage of periodontal disease. When we lose our teeth, the body will stop sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone. Without these nutrients, the jaw gradually breaks down to cause further tooth loss and an aged appearance. Missing teeth are also linked to the onset of misalignment, TMJ disorder, bruxism, issues eating, and even complications with clear speech. But we can help preserve your smile and prevent these complications with dental implant placement.
Planning Your Surgery
Unlike traditional bridges or removable dentures, which need crowns, clasps, or suction to stay in place, dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. These implant posts act like new roots and the body accepts them as that, since they are made from biocompatible titanium. We begin by examining your smile to assess the factors behind your tooth loss, in case we need to manage these issues before we move forward with surgery. We also assess the strength of your jawbone and select the best angles, positions, and depths to insert the post or posts, ensuring your new roots can stay in place for years to come.
Securing Dental Implants
Once we have carefully planned the process with advanced digital imaging, our team will administer local anesthesia and sedation to ensure you are calm and comfortable as we conduct the surgery. Our team then gently inserts the post into the jawbone. Eventually, it will bond with the jaw through a process known as osseointegration. We next attach an abutment to the post and then connect a crown for an individual post, or we could use several to secure a bridge or a denture, so you enjoy a full smile again with results designed to last for years to come, possibly decades.
If you have any questions about dental implant surgery, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit with Our Team in Dubuque and Clinton IA, and Platteville, WI!
Our team wants to help address tooth loss with a lifelike solution! To learn more about tooth replacement, contact our team at the Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by calling our Dubuque location at (563) 557-1440, Clinton at (563) 259-4349, and Platteville at (608) 348-8955.