Dental implants are an advanced teeth replacement solution and are now the number one dentist-recommended way to handle damaged or missing teeth. They are extremely popular because they look and function like natural teeth. Additionally, they are the only solution available that will prevent bone loss after tooth loss.
Teeth implants offer a 98% success rate and can last a lifetime if properly cared for. If you are missing teeth, Dr. S. Jeremy Tu is an Iowa City, IA, restorative dentist who offers dental implant solutions. He also offers general dental services to new and existing patients in Iowa City, IA.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is one portion of an entire tooth replacement system. Most implants are made of titanium, a strong metal often used in the human body for various medical reasons. It is cylinder shaped with threads like a screw. It is the part that your dentist will surgically place in the jaw bone and use to replace the missing teeth roots and support a dental restoration.
Dental Implants: The Solution for Any Number of Missing Teeth
No matter how many teeth you are missing, Dr. Tu can create a custom treatment plan to replace them all with dental implants. Patients who are missing one tooth can have it replaced with one implant and a dental crown. Patients who are missing many teeth will need two or more dental implants and a dental bridge or denture. Even patients missing an entire row of teeth can have their dentist place two or more implants in the jaw to secure a full denture.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The entire implant process can span many months and sometimes longer if you require pre-treatments. If you require extractions that need time to heal, suffer from gum disease, or lack enough bone to support the dental implants, then we will need to address those issues before beginning the implant process. You may need a bone graft to build up the bone before placing the implant fixtures. Some oral surgeons can perform the extraction and implantation in one procedure. The process involves several surgical procedures and lots of healing time.
The first phase involves placing the dental implants. A trusted, local oral surgeon will place them in the jaw bone during surgery. They will gain access to the bone, drill a small hole for each implant, and gently insert them. Over the next few months, the implants will fuse with the surrounding bone essentially becoming one with the jaw bone.
The second phase is when the implants will fully integrate with the jaw bone. Once this is complete, your dentist will expose the implant fixtures to attach a small piece called an abutment. This is a metal attachment that connects the implant to the restoration. We will take several measurements and use them to fabricate your new dental restoration or replacement tooth. At your final appointment with Dr. Tu at his Iowa City, IA area dentist office, the dental crown, dental bridge or denture will be secured.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have one or more missing or damaged teeth, Dr. Tu welcomes you to schedule a consultation to learn more about implant-supported replacement teeth. You can schedule an appointment by calling at (319) 284-4361. You can also request an appointment online by filling out the form. Dr. Tu will devise a customized plan to replace all your missing teeth and get your dental health back on track.