If a cavity goes untreated for a long time, the tooth decay can spread throughout the tooth enamel and into the tooth. In time, the severe decay can result in the total loss of the tooth. To replace the tooth, your dentist, Dr. Iqbal Sayed, might recommend a dental implant in Patchogue, New York.
Dr. Iqbal Sayed will start by examining your mouth and taking X-rays of the area, which will help him assess the available bone structure. If the severe decay also compromised the underlying bone, he might recommend having a bone graft installed first.
Once any pertinent bone structure issues have been addressed, Dr. Iqbal Sayed will refer you to a local oral surgeon. They can install the titanium dental implant into your mouth in a single outpatient appointment. You will need to be sedated during the visit. Afterward, you might still be out of sorts for a few hours, so you will need to have someone drive you home.
To install the implant, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums to gain direct access to the bone. A narrow channel will be drilled into the bone and a titanium abutment will be screwed into place. Titanium is known to be biologically safe and will eventually fuse to your bones to provide a strong anchor for an eventual dental crown.
Once the titanium abutment has been fully integrated into your jaw, Dr. Iqbal Sayed can go about the standard procedure of fitting you for a dental crown. With proper care and cleaning, your newly restored tooth should serve you for many years to come.
If you have lost a tooth to severe tooth decay, you should call Patchogue Dental Service PC at 631-758-6689 to ask about a dental implant.