Dental implants have been available to help restore an individual missing tooth for over twenty years. In recent years, dental implant technology and techniques has continued to advance. Now they can also be used to anchor a bridge to restore the function and appearance of multiple missing teeth.
Dr. Derek Lichter will want to examine your mouth and taking some X-rays, to get a clear understanding of how much jaw structure you have available. If gum disease, tooth decay or past extractions have caused a loss of bone structure, Dr. Derek Lichter might recommend you receive a bone graft procedure to restore enough structure to mount the dental implant.
The dental implant procedure is often performed outpatient basis and usually requires deep sedation. This means you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home.
To mount the dental implant bridge, two small incisions are made in your gums. Two narrow channels are then made in the bone and titanium abutments are screwed into place. Titanium is known to be biologically safe and will eventually fuse to your bones to create a very strong anchor.
Your gums are sutured closed and each abutment is covered with a temporary crown to protect it while it fuses to the bone. Later, Dr. Derek Lichter can start the process of fitting you for a standard bridge, which will restore the full function of your mouth for many years to come.
If you have any questions about getting an implant bridge to replace multiple teeth, please call Dr. Derek Lichter at 619-591-8945 to schedule an appointment.
