You may have been lucky with your teeth up until now: very few fillings, no root canals, no need for an implant. If that’s true you may hardly know what a dental implant even is. If you’ve been lucky enough to only need to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year, there has been no reason for you to inquire about an implant. As you age, however, there is more of a chance you may need a dental implant or some other type of restorative or cosmetic dental procedure. How will an implant fit you? The questions and answers below may help you decide.
Questions and Answers
Question: What exactly is a dental implant?
Answer: A dental implant is an artificial dental root made of titanium that is placed in the original tooth’s socket in your jaw bone.
Question: Does a dental implant require surgery?
Answer: Yes. It requires surgery to place the titanium post. If you decide upon an implant procedure, Dr. Huffstutler will refer you to a skilled and experienced oral surgeon.
Question: What happens after the surgery?
Answer: The titanium post osseointegrates (biochemically bonds) with your jawbone, forming a strong and permanent connection just like a real tooth root. This can take up to three months. Once the connection is formed an abutment is placed, if necessary. An abutment is added to the titanium post and is a piece upon which the dental crown is bonded.
Question: When is the crown placed?
Answer: The dental crown is placed on the final visit. The whole process can take up to three visits. The dental crown will be fabricated at a lab to match the size, shape, and color of the original tooth. The crown is then permanently bonded to the abutment.
ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:
With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.