What Are Dental Implants for?
When dental implants first came into use in the dental industry, two decades ago, they were mostly for restoring a single lost tooth. As time has gone on dental implant technology, techniques and training have advanced so that they can be used in multiple applications including restoring multiple lost teeth with a bridge.
At your first appointment, Werschky, Lewis & Slatton Family Dentistry will inspect the area and your jaw structure. If the tooth in questions was lost, extracted or If you’ve had chronic problems with periodontal disease, it could cause a loss of bone structure in your jaw. In a situation like this Werschky, Lewis & Slatton Family Dentistry might recommend that you have a bone graft procedure to restore enough structure to mount an implant.
Most implant procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and often require deep sedation. As a result, you will need to arrange to have a friend or family member drive you.
During the procedure Werschky, Lewis & Slatton Family Dentistry making two small incisions in your gums to gain direct access to your jawbone. They will then make a narrow channel into the bone and screw a titanium abutment into place. An impression is made of the area, which is sent to a dental lab that makes your permanent bridge. Temporary crowns are placed over each abutment to protect them.
When your new bridge is ready, and the abutments are securely fused to your jaw bone, Werschky, Lewis & Slatton Family Dentistry will call you in for a follow-up appointment. The temporary crowns are removed and your new bridge is cemented in place.
If you have lost multiple teeth in one part of your mouth and you would like to explore your options for restoring them with dental implants, please call Werschky, Lewis & Slatton Family Dentistry at (810) 671-5616 to schedule an appointment.