Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for restoring a missing tooth. This treatment process typically involves an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. David McAninch and Dr. Robert Kiken to perform a minor oral surgery to install a titanium implant into the underlying bone structure.
If necessary they might also provide you with a prescription for anti-inflammatory or other pain medication to help your gums heal comfortably.
Once this is done a natural process which is known as osseointegration, will gradually integrate the titanium material of the dental implant with the living bone tissues. This will essentially replicate the strength of the original tooth’s root.
At that point our experienced oral surgeons and staff will prepare an abutment. This small post structure will be capable of anchoring a dental crown. The specific material used might vary depending on how visible the tooth will be when you smile.
Once it has been prepared at a state of the art dental lab, we can cement the dental crown onto the abutment. This will complete the dental restoration process and allow you to enjoy the essential function of you previously missing tooth.
If you live in the Santa Barbara, California, area and you are missing a tooth, we invite you to call 805-735-3665 to set up a dental implant consultation at Ocean Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.