How to Replace Decayed Teeth With Implants

It's almost impossible to tell the different between implants and natural teeth.

There are many options to replace decayed teeth. Often the tooth can be saved with a procedure such as a root canal and restored with a crown. If the tooth must be removed, it can be replaced with a bridge. If you have many decayed teeth, your dentist might recommend dentures. Implants are another replacement method gaining popularity. Dental implants are permanent and nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Instructions

1. Choose a qualified professional to replace your decayed teeth with dental implants. Your regular dentist may be able to make a referral. You can also search the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons database to find qualified surgeons in your area who perform implants (see References).

2. Schedule a consultation to make sure you're a good candidate for dental implants. Even though you may prefer implants to replace your decayed teeth, the doctor might recommend an alternate type of restoration. This is most likely if you have risk factors, such as gum disease or if you are a smoker, that could cause the implant procedure to fail.

3. Have your decaying teeth removed, if you decide to proceed with dental implants. This will create space for your dental implants. Normally, they can be pulled by your regular dentist.

4. Have the implant site prepared. Once your gums have healed from the removal of your decayed teeth, your doctor will start the procedure. He will prepare the implant site by drilling a pilot hole. This will be used to guide the insertion of the screw that will hold your implant. The dentist will widen the hole and insert the screw, topping it with a temporary cover.

5. Wait for three to six months for the dental impact to anchor itself in place, which is known as osseointegration. During this time, the metal will bond to the surrounding bone.

6. Visit your doctor so the process can be completed by having the temporary covers replaced with permanent crowns. Once those crowns are placed, your decayed teeth have been successfully replaced by dental implants.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow up with your dentist so she can monitor your implants and make sure that no problems are developing. "The Consumer Guide to Dentistry" says that under the best circumstances, implants have a success rate of 90 to 95 percent. Your dentist will be able to tell whether your implants are successful and inform you of your options if you are among the minority of patients with problems.

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References

• Dental implant information
• Database of professionals