A dental implant is an excellent restoration choice for patients who have lost a tooth or need tooth extraction due to infection. The implant is a metal screw that is inserted into the jawbone surgically to substitute the lost tooth's root. After the surgery, patients will receive restoration for their new dental implant.

Implant Restoration Option

Patients have access to a wide range of options regarding the types and material for dental restoration. Patients who need to replace a single tooth will generally opt for a dental crown. Patients with several missing teeth will benefit from a bridge or denture.

Zirconia and porcelain are sturdy, natural-looking materials used in producing bridges, dentures, and crowns. These two types of materials are suitable for use on the front and back teeth.

The dentist will carefully select the shade of the restoration to blend seamlessly with the smile. They also have hyper-surreal translucency like the tooth's enamel.

Placing dental implants

Regular dental implant placement procedure takes two surgeries. At the first consultation, the dentist will use diagnostic imaging to create an effective treatment strategy. If the patient has suffered significant bone loss, a bone graft procedure will be required to increase the bone mass to support the implant.

Before the surgery starts, the patient will be placed under anesthesia to ensure comfort. The surgery commences by creating an incision over the gums and drilling a pilot hole in the jaw. Afterward, the dentist will place the implant and stitch up the gum over the implant.

Dental implants need about three to six months to integrate appropriately with the jawbone. After osseointegration, the dentist will invite the patient for a second surgery.

During the procedure, the dentist will make another incision in the gums to reveal the implants, connect an abutment to the top of the implant, and stitch the gums, leaving the abutment exposed above the gum.

The abutment is what connects the new restoration and the implants. It typically takes about two weeks for healing and recovery after this surgery.

The last stage of the implantation procedure is the placement of the dental restoration.

Immediately Load Dental Implants

Also known as teeth-in-a-day, the bridge, crown, or denture is connected to the abutment the same day after inserting the implants in the jaw. The implants used are usually smaller in diameter than regular implants.

Patients can which is an ideal solution for patients who have lost the teeth on an entire dental arch. Four implants are inserted into the jaw to support a full-arch denture, solving the issue with poor fitting and bone atrophy that often occur with traditional dentures.

Final Note

Curious about emergency dentistry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic? The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many dentists to limit their elective services and transition into only treating patients who need emergency dentistry.

Due to this, it is important for people to understand what constitutes a dental emergency. One of the more common oral health concerns is a numb tooth, and in severe instances, it can require emergency dentistry.

Emergency dentistry for a numb tooth during COVID-19

By learning more about when a numb tooth requires emergency dentistry, you can make a more informed decision about when to call the best dentist in Durango, CO for prompt assistance. The following is an overview of what it means, what to do and the treatment options for when a tooth goes numb.

What does a numb tooth mean?

A numb tooth could indicate one of several possibilities. Perhaps most commonly, a numb tooth suggests that there is an oral infection that has spread to the root of the tooth. If the dental pulp in the root of the tooth becomes infected, then it may require a root canal therapy to treat.

Oftentimes a numb tooth occurs once a cavity in the tooth worsens, but it could also be the result of dental trauma. A dentist will likely need to examine the tooth to determine the cause and best method of treatment.

What do I do if my tooth goes numb?

Numbness in a tooth is not generally a serious health concern, but it does sometimes require emergency dentistry treatment. As mentioned, a numb tooth indicates there is an issue with the nerves and root of the tooth.

Whether this numbness is due to tooth decay, dental trauma or another health concern, the first thing to do is to call a dentist to find out what steps to take. Most will likely suggest coming into the office for emergency dentistry treatment.

Does a numb tooth require emergency dentistry?

A numb tooth does require prompt treatment in most instances. If there is only minor soreness, swelling and pain, then keeping the area clean through the use of gentle brushing and mouthwash may reduce the symptoms and allow the patient to wait for a more opportune time.

However, if the tooth goes numb, meaning the person can no longer feel the tooth, then it is encouraged to visit a dental practice that offers emergency dentistry during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Treatment options for a numb tooth

The treatment for a numb tooth depends on the cause. A dental filling is often not enough for tooth decay that results in a numb tooth as the numbness indicates an issue with the root of the tooth.