When dental implants first appeared in the oral healthcare scene, they were primarily used to replace a single missing tooth. Over the course of the past two decades, dental implant technology has continued to evolve. Now, dental implants can be used to mount a dental bridge so you can restore multiple teeth.
When first placing the implanted bridge, our Chicago Osteopathic Hospital Dental Clinic PC team will examine your mouth and take a few X-rays. This will allow your dentist to assess the overall health of your mouth and determine how much healthy bone structure remains in your jaw. If past issues with periodontal disease, tooth decay or tooth extractions have caused the loss of bone structure, we might recommend that you receive a bone graft to restore sufficient jaw structure to mount an implant.
After your bone structure has been addressed, the process of implanting two abutments for your bridge can begin. Most people choose to be deeply sedated for their own comfort, so you will need to arrange to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
During the procedure, two small incisions will be made in your gums to gain direct access to the bone. Narrow channels will then be made in the bone and two titanium abutments will be screwed into place. Titanium is known to be biologically safe and it will eventually fuse to your jawbone.
Your gums will be sutured closed and each abutment will be protected under a temporary crown while they fuse to the bone. Later, your dentist, Dr. William Wilson, will fit the titanium abutments with a standard dental bridge.
If you have questions about dental implants in Chicago, Illinois, you should call Chicago Osteopathic Hospital Dental Clinic PC at 773-947-4665 to schedule an appointment.