Do you have a missing tooth that you want to fix, but a partial denture or bridge doesn't seem like a solution you'll be happy with? If so, consider a dental implant as a permanent solution to your problem. The process of getting affordable dental implants is straight forward. If you are wondering if you should get a dental implant, it helps to understand the process that happens to make the implant.

The Impression

Your dentist will start by taking an impression of your teeth in the area that you are missing a tooth. The process is a bit different from getting multiple implants, since the dentist will likely not use a tray to take the impression of your teeth. Instead, they'll use a special epoxy that will go into the space to measure that specific missing tooth. The goal is to create a mold of the implant that has room on each side for flossing and will match the height of the surrounding teeth.

The Implant Creation

The impression made by your dentist is taken to a lab in order to create the dental implant. A hollow mold is created to match the shape of the mold that was used, and then the mold is filled with a porcelain material to create the artificial tooth that will be placed in your mouth. Prior to the artificial tooth becoming completely dry, holes are created for where the artificial tooth will attach to the titanium post. The porcelain material finishes drying, and then it is smoothed and polished so that it looks like an actual tooth that will blend in with your mouth.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dentists create their own artificial tooth, while others will send it off to an external lab to do the work for them. Either way, the quality of the artificial tooth that comes back will be the same.

The Surgery

Often, the surgical procedure to place the implant in your mouth will be done outside of the dental office in a facility that is able to handle the procedure. This is to ensure that you are properly sedated, surgical items are sterilized, and there is a staff with experience to help with potential complications. If your dental office has all those qualifications, the procedure may happen in-office. The procedure involves placing a titanium post into your jawbone, which will take several months to heal. You'll be given a temporary cap to wear on the tooth until it is ready for the artificial tooth that was created.

The Placement

You'll return to your dentist for an inspection of the implant surgical site. If everything looks like it has healed properly, you'll have the artificial tooth attached to the post and you'll be on your way with a restored tooth.

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