Tooth loss in and of itself is usually a significant incident that can cause physical trauma and can impact your self-esteem. The missing tooth can limit your ability to efficiently chew food, it can affect your appearance, and it can even lead to orthodontic complications.
A dental bridge can restore the tooth’s presence and function in the mouth, but many people find them difficult to clean around and they lack the strong feeling of the original tooth. This is even more likely to be the case for a premolar or molar that is called upon to do a significant amount of chewing and grinding. This is one of the many reasons why dental implants have continued to grow in popularity for restoring the full strength and function of a missing tooth.
The treatment process starts with Dr. Hueler, Dr. Lyu, and Dr. Voegele examining your teeth. It’s important to assess the integrity of the underlying bone structure. Otherwise, a bone graft or other measure may be needed to make sure the implant will have sufficient surrounding structure.
During the implant appointment, Dr. Hueler, Dr. Lyu, and Dr. Voegele will make a careful incision in your gums. A narrow channel will then be made in your jawbone. A titanium implant will then be screwed into the channel in the bone and your gums may be sutured closed, if necessary.
Titanium is known for being biologically compatible. Thanks to a process known as osseointegration, the implant will gradually bond with the surrounding bone tissues. This gives the final restored tooth the same biting strength and feel of the original natural tooth.
Once total fusion with the surrounding bone tissues has been attained, Dr. Hueler, Dr. Lyu, and Dr. Voegele will place an abutment on the implant to support the crown that will be placed by the general dentist.
If you live in the Savage, Shakopee, and Eden Prairie, MN, area and you are missing a tooth, you should call 952-226-7940 to schedule a dental restoration consultation at Midwest Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.