Have you ever thought about replacing any of the teeth that you have lost over the years through decay or extraction? Sometimes you may have found it necessary to get one of your existing teeth pulled and may not have made the effort to look into a replacement. This is never ideal, and it's best to try and restore full functionality. What's the best option for you, if you want to put things right?

Trusting the Technology

Most dentists will agree that an implant is the ideal solution to replace and fill that gap. Due to technology and expertise these days, it is usually possible to place an implant and crown in any situation.

A specialist will have a look at your unique situation and judge the best way forward. If you've been missing a tooth for a while, it may be necessary to stabilise the bone in the area first before going ahead with the implant.

Preparing the Area

There are some amazing solutions available today in order to reverse the body's natural tendency to shrink the bone volume following tooth removal. When this happens, the bone is not as ready to accept an implant as it would have been if the implant had been scheduled right away. Specialists can overcome this process, which is known as resorption, by adding a bone graft into the area successfully.

What's Involved?

This may sound like a major procedure, but it isn't. The specialist will augment what remains in the area underneath the gum tissue by simply adding some material that is meant to mimic the bone. Special membranes are added to help regeneration take place, and then you just leave it to the body's natural healing process to firm everything up.

Finishing the Process

As soon as this process has been completed, an oral surgeon will then be able to very precisely locate a titanium post into the bone as a very solid host for the actual crown. This is positioned with great accuracy in a location that is carefully chosen as part of the initial planning process. Once this post has been allowed to settle, a crown can then be attached to the top, finishing off the procedure. The post and crown implant is as strong or stronger than all the teeth that surround it and will last for many years.

Exploring Your Options

So even though you think you may not be the best candidate for dental implants, your dentist may well be able to tell you otherwise when you schedule a visit.