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Interventions for Replacing Missing Teeth & Management of Soft Tissue for Dental Implants

Dental implants are often the best treatment option to replace missing teeth, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dental implants offer a more permanent replacement option than removable dentures or fixed bridges for many patients. Some patients require work on the gums and soft tissue to keep the gum line even. (See References 1 and 3)

  1. Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

    • A dental implant is made of a titanium and resembles a screw. A abutment fits over the part of the implant that sticks up past the gum line, and a crown fits over the abutment to create a natural appearance. A dentist or oral surgeon will place the implant in the jaw, where it will fuse to the jawbone. This process can take anywhere from two to six months, and a temporary tooth replacement is worn over the implant during this time.

      After the implant bonds with the jawbone, the oral surgeon attaches an abutment to the implant. After a two- or three-week healing period, he will place the replacement tooth over the abutment to create the look and feel of a natural tooth. Some dental implants come with the abutment already attached so the second step is not needed.

      Patients who need most or all of their teeth replaced will undergo an additional step in which, before placing the crowns over them, the surgeon will attach to the implants a connecting device that looks similar to the gum portion of dentures. These helps keep the implants in place.

    Gum Grafting

    • Patients with gum problems often need special care so that the oral surgeon can place dental implants appropriately. Dental implants need an adequate amount of gum tissue so that the new tooth can stay in place and function properly for chewing. The gums also filter out bad bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. This function is especially important with dental implants to reduce the risk of slow healing or infection following the procedure. Patients with inadequate gum tissue usually require a gum graft to correct the problem. Sometimes oral surgeons harvest material from a patient's palate to complete the graft. More often, they use Alloderm, a donor tissue, for gum grafting. The surgeon attaches the material to the gums with sutures. Most gum grafting procedures do not cause much pain, and the gums typically heal within a week.

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