Combat Degeneration with Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most durable and attractive ways to replace missing teeth. They are a favorite among dental professionals due to their ability to address every issue that results from missing teeth. Learning more about degeneration and dental implants can help narrow down your tooth replacement options list.

Understanding degeneration

When a tooth is lost, degeneration occurs in two structures: the gums and the jaws. The gums are the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, while the jaws are the bone under the gums. WebMD characterizes gum degeneration, or gum recession, as the margin of the gum tissue that normally surrounds the tooth, pulling back and exposing the tooth. In the case of a missing tooth, the tissues will recede past the socket that once held the tooth.

With no stimulation, the degeneration eventually reaches the jawbone, causing it to thin and wear away. The only way to stop degeneration is by placing a biocompatible object into the place that once held the natural tooth. For adults, the primary option is a dental implant.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that the general dentist must surgically insert into the jawbone, effectively preventing degeneration. It comprises three parts:

• Post. A screwlike piece that goes into the jawbone and acts as tooth roots.
• Abutment. A titanium piece that attaches to the post but juts out from the top of the gum line.
• Restorative. A custom bridge, crown, or denture that attaches and covers the abutment.

Due to its design and procedure process, the general dentist must ensure each candidate is ideal through a consultation.

Dental implant approval process

During the dental implant consultation, the dentist will perform a physical examination, imaging, and medical and dental history review. The physical examination and imaging ensure the patient has enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone to support the implant. If not, they may consider gum or bone grafting before moving forward with the process.

Acquiring dental implants requires multiple invasive procedures. Therefore, the dentist must ensure the patient's body is fully capable of handling the process. The dentist will review underlying medical conditions that make healing difficult, such as diabetes or cancer. They will also check for signs of smoking or tobacco use, as both can result in increased bleeding, infection, and dental implant failure or rejection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dental implant procedure process

The dental implant process can take six to nine months to complete. The general dentist will give patients a tentative timeline to better prepare their schedules. However, here is what patients can expect during each phase:

• Phase one: Surgically inserting the post into the jawbone.
• Phase two: The post will fuse with the jawbone through an approximate three-month process called osseointegration.
• Phase three: Reopening the gumline to secure the abutment to the post.
• Phase four: Allowing the gums to heal around the abutment, taking only a few weeks.
• Phase five: Placing the custom restorative of the patient’s choice, such as a crown, bridge, or fixed dentures.

Note that check-in appointments will occur between each phase. The general dentist ensures the patient progresses normally and follows proper care instructions to prevent infection or implant failure.