When we see a patient with a missing tooth, or several, then we want to return function and beauty to your smile by replacing your lost teeth. We use dental implants, and to plan and oversee the process with precision and accuracy, we use advanced technology. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons talk about the tech we use to place dental implants.
Planning Your Placement
Dental implants are unique for tooth replacement because they don’t need to be held in place with crowns, clasps, or suction and adhesives. Instead, we insert a biocompatible titanium post into the jawbone, where the body aspects it as a natural root. Through a process known as osseointegration, it bonds with the jawbone and can stay in place for decades to come. This also prevents the gradual loss of mass and density in the jaw that follows tooth loss, protecting your smile from further tooth loss and from developing a prematurely aged appearance. From planning to placement, we oversee each step of the process with advanced technology.
Guiding the New Roots into Place
First, we use digital x-rays and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to take detailed images of the smile. With panoramic digital x-rays, this can be done in a single image. We pinpoint the position of impacted teeth, sinus cavities, and nerve tissues. We also assess the strength of the jawbone to see which eruptions are ready to receive dental implants, and whether you need procedures like grafting or sinus lifts to first rebuild the jaw. These options use a fraction of the radiation that traditional x-rays employ, and the images don’t need to be developed. Instead, they’re available instantly chairside, so we can walk you through the diagnostic process and understand what to expect from dental implant placement.
The CBCT system also allows us to help guide the posts into place. This determines how far into the bone structure we need to insert each dental implant, and helps provide uniformity and optimal appearance for your new smile. This also helps ensure a successful placement and longevity, so your new teeth can truly last for decades to come, or possibly even a lifetime!
Restoration and Prosthetic Placement
Once we have your new roots firmly in place, we will move forward with the visible portion of your smile. For an individual option, we will attach an abutment that will allow us to connect a custom-made dental crown to the post. The crown will be designed to look natural and blend with your smile seamlessly. For multiple missing teeth, we could attach multiple abutments to the posts to allow us to secure a bridge or even a full or partial denture. You then smile with confidence and enjoy a complete and beautiful smile!
Do You Need a Prosthetic?
We would like to help replace your missing teeth and restore the function and beauty of your smile. To learn more about planning and placing your new teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.