According to the American Dental Association, in the last 40 years, dental implants have become one of the most recommended dental solutions for permanent tooth replacement. At Wolter Advanced Dental Care, our team provides a variety of oral health services to address a wide range of issues and concerns.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are screw-like posts that replace the natural roots of a tooth. Dental implant surgery is the procedure that replaces those roots with the posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth (crowns) that look and function just like real teeth. Unlike other dental solutions, implants and crowns are permanent solutions to tooth loss and tooth restoration.
Tooth loss can occur for several reasons, but the most common factors that lead to tooth loss are trauma/injury to the tooth or untreated tooth decay. Dr. Wolter’s goal is to keep your natural tooth as healthy as possible for as long as possible. However, when a natural tooth cannot be restored, a dental implant could be the best option for a strong and permanent solution.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
Every person has a unique situation when it comes to their teeth. However, according to the national library of medicine’s article, 90-95% of implants are in great functioning order after 10 years! Technically speaking, implants are considered a permanent solution. It is fused to your jaw bone and won’t usually cause any issues. Most issues will actually involve the crown because it is constantly taking the biting pressure and dealing directly with food, plaque, and gum concerns. Still, with a great oral health routine, the crown and implant can be a lifetime solution.
Dental Implant Process
Once the decayed or injured tooth has been extracted, the dental Implant surgery is usally completed in a 3 stage process.
Step 1: Placing the Implant
Dr. Wolter will surgically place the dental implant in your jaw in the original position of the natural tooth. A screw is then inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue, saliva, and other particles from contaminating the sire. The gum is then secured over the implant and given time to heal. During the healing process, the implant will fuse with your jaw bone forming a cement-like bond in a proess called osseointegration. The healing phase usually takes between 3 and 6 months depending on your body’s recovery rate.
Step 2: Inserting the Post
The second step can have some variation depending on your situation but generally, the implant is uncovered and a post is attached to the implant. This will serve as the foundation for the crown that will be placed over the implant.
Step 3: Placing the Crown
Using 3D scanning & modeling technology, our highly skilled team will use the state-of-the-art CEREC system to create your crown. These crowns are completed and placed in a single visit to save you time, money, and discomfort. Dr. Wolter will use a series of scans to create a model of your tooth that can be recreated by medical grade materials strong enough to handle the strength of your jaw. Our team will make a crown that has the correct shape, size, and color to fit among the rest of your teeth. Once the crown is ready, it is permanently cemented to the implant and post, and it ready to be used just like any other tooth.
As part of our dedication to offering an excellent experience with every visit, Wolter ADC is proud to offer a 5-year Dental Guarantee on dental implants. If you ready to find your lifetime family dentist, you will be glad to know that we take our patient care and experience very seriously. Speak to a Wolter Advanced Dental Care representative to schedule your appointment today.
