Searching for an Oral Implantology near you? Find one online with Dr. Galen! Easily book a consultation and get a prescription from the comfort of your home.
Oral implantology is a specialized area of dentistry that involves the placement of dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are small, screw-like posts made of titanium or other materials that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root for a replacement tooth.
The process of oral implantology involves several steps:
1. Evaluation: The first step is a thorough evaluation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental implants. This evaluation may include a review of the patient's medical history, a dental examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
2. Implant placement: Once a patient is deemed a good candidate, the dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. The procedure involves the small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
3. Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, it needs time to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration. This can take several months.
4. Abutment placement: After the process of osseointegration is finished, an abutment is positioned on the top of the implant which serves as a linking point for the replacement tooth.
5. Restoration: Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth are attached to the abutment. This can involve a variety of options such as a single crown, bridge, or denture.
Oral implantology is a complex and specialized area of dentistry that requires advanced training and expertise. It offers a long-term solution for patients with missing teeth and can significantly improve their quality of life.