There are times when severe tooth decay, cracks, or fractures result in so much damage to a tooth, that a First Dental of Bluffton dentist simply cannot save it. The tooth will need to be extracted and your gums sutured closed.
If the structure of the lost tooth is not restored, the surrounding teeth will eventually start to twist and migrate to fill the void. This can lead to alignment issues and other complications. One of the most effective ways to prevent this problem from happening is to have the extracted tooth restored with a dental implant.
Your First Dental of Bluffton dentist will first need to examine the area and take a few X-rays. If the extraction process resulted in a loss of bone structure in the area, we might recommend that you receive a bone graft. This will effectively restore sufficient jaw structure to securely anchor a dental implant.
A dental implant can be installed on an outpatient basis, requiring deep sedation. This means you will need a friend or family member drive you and help you at home, until you have your wits about you again.
During the procedure an oral surgeon makes a small incision in your gums to gain direct access to your jawbone. Then a narrow channel is made in the bone and a titanium abutment is screwed into place. Titanium is known to be biologically safe and will eventually fuse to your bones to create a very strong anchor for a future crown.
After your gums have healed and the titanium abutment has fused to your jawbone, your dentist can then take an impression of the area. This will be used as a guide for a dental lab to produce your final crown. With proper care and cleaning your newly restored tooth should serve you for many years to come.
If you have had a tooth extracted or lost you should call First Dental of Bluffton’s Bluffton, South Carolina clinic at 843-757-2828 to explore your restoration options.