If you’ve had a tooth extracted in the past, whether it was due to severe tooth decay, gum disease or an oral injury, you might be interested in exploring your restoration options. One of the most effective options your dentist, Dr. Macon Sapp, recommends for completely replacing an extracted tooth is to have a dental implant installed.
The process of installing a dental implant in Durham, North Carolina, begins with Dr. Macon Sapp examining the area and taking some X-rays. Then, he can accurately determine if you have sufficient bone structure to mount a dental implant. If the extraction process resulted in a loss of bone structure in the jaw, then he might recommend that you receive a bone graft in advance of the implant procedure.
You will need to be fully sedated for the implant procedure, so you will need to arrange to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
During the implantation procedure, an oral surgeon will make a small channel into your jawbone. A titanium post is then screwed into place. Titanium is the metal of choice because it is biologically inert and will eventually fuse to your jawbone.
Once the implant has been fully integrated into your jaw, our H.T. Macon Sapp, DDS team can go about the standard practice of fitting a dental crown into your smile.
If you have a previously extracted tooth that you would like restored with a dental implant, you should call Dr. Macon Sapp at 919-489-9171 to get the process started.