Acquiring Dental Implants in Fairfield County CT involves a dentist cutting into the gum to insert metal rods that gradually fuse with the jawbone. The dentist adds temporary crowns on top of the rods for cosmetic purposes. The permanent crowns are customized to match the patient’s remaining natural teeth in size, color, and general shape. Usually, this entire process takes several months.
Timing
Most people decide to have dental implants placed very soon after losing natural teeth due to extraction or accident. Some patients cannot afford to do so quickly, however. Fortunately, Dental Implants in Fairfield County CT, usually can be placed several years after the original teeth were lost.
Main Concerns
The main concern would be whether the jawbone had lost too much density in that area, which is common when no teeth roots are present to keep stimulating new bone cell growth. In that case, bone grafting typically can be done to build up the bone.
Another consideration is that the gums must be healthy. If the patient has developed gum disease over the years, the condition must be treated and the gums restored to full health. Otherwise, the implant process may not be successful, in which case the rods become loose and do not fuse properly. Bacteria in serious gum disease attack cartilage and bone, causing the structures to deteriorate.
Advantages of Implants
Dentists with clinics such as Elke Cheung Dentistry encourage patients to choose implants if at all possible because the devices have several advantages when compared to bridges and dentures. They look even more like natural teeth than other types of artificial teeth do, and they also feel the same. The rods function like tooth roots, keeping the jaw’s bone density intact. They are completely suitable for chewing foods that people may have to avoid if wearing dentures.
Implants are also easier to care for than removable bridges and dentures. The person still must brush and floss, as otherwise food particles remain trapped between the upper rods, and sticky plaque gradually turns into hard tartar. All of this can lead to gum disease and the risk of implant failure.