A tooth consists of much more than just the crown – or the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. Each tooth has roots which extend far below the gums and into your jawbone. If you experience tooth loss from an injury, periodontal disease, or infection, replacing the root of your tooth with a dental implant—a permanent, artificial tooth root— is just as important as replacing the crown. Tooth loss can cause bone loss in your jaw and affect the stability and alignment of surrounding teeth. With a dental implant from your Austin dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, you can prevent bone or gum tissue loss, protect surrounding teeth, and maintain a healthy, natural-looking smile.
Implants are a safe, stable, and effective option to maintain oral health after tooth loss. Dr. Helen Ragsdale of Austin Laser Dentist has over 25 years of experience providing dental implant treatments to thousands of patients. Call her office today to book your consultation, and take the first step to a stronger, healthier smile today!
Placing dental implants requires more than one visit to Dr. Ragsdale. Below are common steps on the journey to a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement through dental implants.
Initial Consultation and Exam
Dr. Ragsdale will first perform a full dental exam and may take impressions, x-rays or 3-D images. She can determine the exact size and position needed for the implant, as well as assess any oral health complications.
Removal of Teeth and Bone Grafting
Some patients can expect to move directly to dental implant placement after the initial consultation. However, tooth extraction and bone grafting are common procedures to prepare the mouth for a dental implant. Your dentist may extract on or more existing teeth and allow the jaw time to heal before placing an implant. If the jawbone is not ready for an implant, because it is too thin or too soft, it may require a bone graft. Dr. Ragsdale uses donor material, or sources of bone from another area of the body and grafts it to the area where the implant will be placed. Healing time after bone grafts varies depending on the size of the graft and the condition of the jaw. Patients can expect to wait up to six months for the jaw to fully heal before next steps in the procedure are taken.
Dental Implant Placement
Dr. Ragsdale will prepare a dental implant to fit the jaw. Essentially, implants are metal screws comprised of either medical grade titanium or titanium alloy. Dr. Ragsdale will thread the implant into the jawbone, providing a secure base for a future crown.
Osseointegration
Once an implant is placed, waiting a period of 2-6 months helps your jawbone acclimate to the implant. During this slow but steady healing process, your bone will grow and heal around the implant. This time is crucial to ensuring the implant placement is successful. Only after the jawbone has healed around the placement site will the implant offer strong, permanent support.
Abutment Placement
After the jaw is healed, your dentist will then place an abutment on the top of the dental implant. This is a cap that will stick out just above the gums. Your dentist may place a healing abutment to help prepare gum tissue for the permanent artificial tooth; it’s usually placed about 1-2 months before the final abutment and crown is placed. Or, the abutment could be placed the day the permanent crown is placed. Dr. Ragsdale can determine based on the health of your gums and the position of the dental implant, which option is best for you.
Permanent Crown Placement
The final step in the procedure is to use the impressions and 3-D images to create a custom dental crown. For multiple teeth replacement, your dentist will create custom dentures or implant-supported bridges. Your final restoration is secured to the abutment by screwing it on or cementing it into place. After the procedure is finished, your dentist will offer guidance on cleaning and caring for your new dental implant.
Schedule your dental implant consultation today!
If you are looking for dental implant treatment in the Austin area, look no further than Austin Laser Dentist! Dr. Ragsdale’s top priorities are patient safety, comfort and satisfaction. We are pleased to offer sedation dentistry to ensure that you are at-ease and comfortable each step of the way. Schedule your appointment now by calling 512-346-4690.
