Bone has to be stimulated often to maintain its density and structure. The pressure applied to a tooth root during chewing often provides the jaw bone with the most stimulation. Without a tooth, the underlying bone lacks stimulation and gradually loses its structure and density. However, the surrounding bone will keep its strength and shape if the lost tooth is replaced with an implant.
Nevertheless, how do dental implants in Dayton remain in place? The natural fusing process of the bone holds the key.
The Fusion Process
Similar to screws, dental implants in Dayton are made with grooves. These grooves aid the implants in fusing with bone. However, there is more to their long-term stability. Typically, titanium—a metal with which human bone naturally bonds—is used to make implants.
After implantation, the titanium progressively fuses with the residual bone, just like a normal tooth’s root. “Osteointegration” is the term for this fusion process. Three to six months of healing is necessary for this natural process, in which the implant needs little stimulation.
The dental implant integrates with the jawbone and begins to operate like a natural tooth.
What if You Have Already Lost Bone?
After a few months of tooth loss or extraction, the underlying bone has probably started to resorb. An implant cannot be inserted in a socket with excessive bone loss. The underlying bone must first be restored through a bone grafting procedure to replace a single tooth. The oral surgeon will stitch the overlaying gums after placing bone graft material in the socket. Before the implant can be inserted, the bone graft has to cure for a few months. A full-mouth treatment does not require bone grafting.
Dr. Michael H. Halasz, DDS offers general & cosmetic dental treatments for all ages and happily welcomes new patients.
