Here at Dental Designs of Bountiful we understand that the loss of a tooth is a serious cause for concern. Beyond simply impairing your ability to chew food it can also slur your speech and mar your smile. One of the most effective methods we commonly recommend in a situation like this is to have the tooth completely replaced with a dental implant.
During the initial consultation we will examine the jaw structure where the tooth is missing and take some X-rays or performing a CT scan. If the tooth loss also resulted in a reduction of bone structure, we might recommend that you receive a bone graft in advance of the implant procedure.
Then, we will refer you to an oral surgeon or endodontist. The implant procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and usually requires deep sedation. This means you will need to arrange to have someone drive you and help you out at home while you are getting your legs back under you.
During the dental implant procedure, the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gums to gain direct access to your jawbone. A narrow channel is drilled into the bone and a titanium abutment is screwed into place. Titanium is known to be biologically safe and will eventually integrate into the bone structure of your jaw.
Once the titanium implant has completely integrated with your jaw bone your Dental Designs of Bountiful dentist can fit the implant with a standard crown made from gold, base metals or porcelain
If you are missing a tooth and you would like to explore your restoration options, via a dental implant, you should call Dental Designs of Bountiful’s office in Bountiful, Utah at 801-295-7171 to schedule an appointment.