A missing tooth not only creates issues when chewing but, if the gap is located along the more-visible section of the gum line, it may lead to a lackluster smile and cause a person to experience reduced self-esteem. While temporary options help with the visual aspect of a missing tooth, they do little to restore regular chewing. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist has a plethora of treatment modalities, and the most popular is Dental Implants in Puyallup WA, as they provide a natural-looking appearance and restore a bite formation.
Jaw Preparation
Before the dentist begins, he or she will first need to ensure the patient is healthy enough for an implant, which involves a complete medical workup as well as an in-depth examination of the gums. Finally, they will remove any teeth that are compromised and look for the presence of infection. In some cases, a person may have to start a round of antibiotics as part of the pre-surgery process.
Implant Integration
One of the benefits of an implant is that it looks and acts like a regular tooth, but the gum will need to be surgically modified so the tooth makes a strong bond. The dentist will drill into the jaw bone and insert the implant into the bone. They will then sew the gum around the device and wait for osseointegration to occur, which is when the implant device fully fuses with the bone and provides the greatest level of strength.
Crown and Abutment Installation
Once the implant has fused to the bone, the doctor will install the abutment into the implant device. The final step of installing Dental Implants in Puyallup WA is attaching the crown device. It is the most visible part, is designed to replicate the look of a natural tooth, and is usually attached to the abutment post through the use of oral adhesives.
Though the procedure may take months to complete, it provides a lifetime of benefits and will restore any smile. Meridian South Family Dentistry is a leading provider of quality oral health services and will help anyone obtain a show-stopping smile. Call today to learn more and schedule a new-patient exam without delay.
