In the past, patients resorted to some interesting solutions to replace missing teeth. In ancient times, people used human or animal teeth. Two hundred years ago, patients had a choice between ivory or wood.
Thanks to implant technology and modern dental materials, dentists can now create natural teeth replicas to design the perfect smile.
As a dentist near the University of Denver, Dr. Patterson has seen much traumatic dental damage. Student accidents and sports mishaps are commonplace and have given her a lot of experience providing dental implants.
The process may require two separate surgeries, and the doctor typically administers a local anesthetic for both procedures. Nervous patients may also request sedation.
During the first surgery, the tooth root implant, the doctor replaces the natural root with a titanium screw. The doctor inserts a small post into the bone socket gap, and the patient goes home.
The patient must wait between six and twelve weeks before the next stage of the process to give the bone time to grow around the post. When it’s secure, the dentist must place an abutment onto the tip of the screw.
If tissue has grown over the post, the doctor will cut a small slit in it to reveal the tip.
Once she’s placed the abutment, Dr. Patterson will take an impression of the surrounding teeth.
The impression enables her to create an accurate replica of the tooth in the form of a crown. During the final phase, the doctor bonds the crown to the abutment.
The new crown requires the same care as the previous tooth. Patients clean, brush, and floss as usual. The implant is permanent and should last for at least thirty years.
Implants may also anchor dentures or bridges.
Dental implants are a popular solution from which many patients can benefit. Dentists favor them because of their high success rate. The doctor will assess each patient’s medical history to ensure that they’re a good candidate.
A good candidate:
Would you like to replace a missing tooth or teeth? Schedule a consultation at Kendra Patterson, DMD in Denver, CO to determine if you’d be a good candidate. Dr. Patterson will conduct a thorough evaluation and discuss a suitable treatment plan.