Everybody wants pretty teeth, but there can be several obstacles in the way of your dream smile. While tooth problems occur for a variety of reasons, the most common qualifier is not brushing and flossing regularly. According to Grin, nearly 75% of millennials admit to brushing only once per day. After long periods of time, these habits can have a negative impact on your oral health. You may have a missing or broken tooth that needs restoration, or your tooth may be decayed beyond repair. In some cases, a dental implant is the best solution. In this blog post, we'll look into the process of having dental implants installed.

Initial Assessment



Before any surgery, the dentist examines the mouth and the areas that need attention. If your tooth isn't missing, then the dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to spot the cavity. If the cavity is deep, near the root or the nerve, it may require a root canal. If a root canal isn't possible, the dentist will most likely suggest a dental implant.

Treatment Planning

Based on the results, the dentist will plan your options. This may include how many dental implants are needed, how many sittings the process will require, and the duration of the treatment. At this step, you may also be advised to go for a tooth extraction, if necessary.

Implant Placement

After the extraction, the dentist allows a certain time period for healing. Once he determines that your bone is in good shape for an implant, you may undergo the surgery. Local anesthesia is given during the process. The surgeon makes an incision in your gum and drills a hole in your jawbone. Next, the implant, also called a screw, is planted in your jawbone.

Healing Period

After the process, the healing gradually happens in the span of a few months. The bone tissues and the implant fuse, making them stronger. This step is also known as osseointegration.

Final Restoration

The last step is to place the crown. However, before the crown, a device called an abutment is placed on top of the implant. This acts as a support structure and holds the implant in place. The replacement tooth is made to fit your color, size, and shape. You may be able to choose from different crowns based on price and material.

Dental implants are used as an alternative to original-looking teeth. Once installed, they're easy to maintain and feel natural. Do you think you could be a good candidate for dental implants? Call Dental Associates of NEPA Dr. David Shemo DMD today.