Find out how dental implants can restore your missing teeth for life.
Dealing with tooth loss is an upsetting situation but one that our Salem, OR, dentist, Dr. Igor Sitnik, sees all too often. If you are one of the millions of American adults who are missing at least one tooth, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Sitnik Dental, we offer a long-term solution that could give you the next best thing to a natural smile: dental implants
About Dental Implants
If you were to check out a dental implant you may be surprised to discover that it’s actually just a small titanium post. However, what it’s capable of doing will impress you—it legitimately replaces your missing tooth’s roots!
In order to do this, the implant will need to be surgically placed within the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. From there, the implant will act as a permanent foundation from which to support a new false tooth.
What to Expect From the Implant Process
There are several steps involved in getting dental implants from our Salem, OR, restorative dentists. Here is what’s involved in getting dental implants,
- A consultation: The first step is to come into our office so that we can perform a thorough oral examination. During this consultation, we will also take x-rays to make sure that the jawbone is healthy enough to support one or more implants. From there, we will discuss what you can expect from your upcoming surgery.
- Implant placement: During your next visit, our dentist will place the implant into the jawbone. Don't worry—the procedure is quick, relatively minor, and all done under IV sedation and local anesthesia.
- Healing and osseointegration: The healing process is one of the major components of getting a dental implant. After all, it’s the implant’s ability to bond with the jawbone and tissue that makes it a long-lasting tooth replacement. Osseointegration, the process by which the implant bonds with the jawbone, can take anywhere from 3-6 months.
- Placing the abutment: Depending on the type of implant our dentist places, your implant may have a built-in abutment or may require one to be placed. An abutment is a structure that connects the implant with the false tooth (the portion of the implant that is visible). This will require another minor surgery in order to open up the gums and attach the abutment to the top of the implant.
- Attaching your false tooth: The last step is to now place your permanent false tooth on top of the abutment. If you are just replacing a single missing tooth then the implant will be covered with a dental crown. If several implants have been placed, then a bridge or full dentures can also be attached to the top of the implants.
Do you have questions about getting dental implants in Salem, OR? Do you want to find out if you are an ideal candidate for this tooth loss treatment? If so, then schedule a consultation with Sitnik Dental today by dialing (503) 363-5962.