Dental Implants
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A dental implant is a viable option for replacing a missing tooth. These are manufactured devices surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, serving as anchors for replacement teeth. Made from titanium and other biocompatible materials, implants look and feel like natural teeth, fitting securely when you chew and speak.
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There are several types of dental implant-supported prostheses. Here’s a brief overview:
Single Tooth Implant: replaces a tooth and is standalone allowing surrounding teeth to remain untouched.
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Implant-Supported Bridge: Suitable for multiple missing teeth, it anchors to implants instead of natural teeth.
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Implant-supported dentures: A permanent solution for many missing teeth in an entire jaw. Overdentures can be either fixed or removed.
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Our office, in coordination with the oral surgeon, will handle single-tooth and smaller multiple implant cases. If you require full implant-supported dentures, we will refer you to a prosthodontist for specialized care.
The Single Tooth Implant Process
Dental implant treatment consists a surgical and a restorative phase. At our office, the process begins with a referral to an oral surgeon for the surgical phase, which includes an examination and consultation. Not everyone is a candidate for implants. The surgeon will review your medical history, as health is a more significant factor than age. For instance, chronic illnesses such as diabetes or leukemia may impede healing after surgery. Additionally, tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, which can weaken the bone and tissues necessary to support the implant. The surgeon will assess the area, examine bone quality, and perform a special type of X-ray known as CBCT to evaluate bone density. Adequate jawbone is required to support an implant. If your jawbone is not dense or voluminous enough, implants may not be an option. In some cases, a bone graft procedure might be necessary. Based on the assessment results, the surgeon will determine if implant treatment is suitable for you. If it is, they will proceed with the surgical phase after obtaining your informed consent.
Bone Graft:
If you require a bone graft, it will be the first step in the process. Bone graft surgery may be performed as a separate procedure or in conjunction with the removal of the tooth to be replaced. Bone grafts provide a crucial foundation for the successful placement of implants, ensuring stability and longevity. There are various types of bone grafts: autografts (sourced from your own body), allografts (obtained from a tissue bank), xenografts (derived from animal tissue), and synthetic alternatives.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon administers anesthesia, removes the tooth, positions and sutures the graft material and barriers in place, and provides postoperative care guidelines. Although bone grafting is an additional step in the implant procedure, which can increase the overall cost and extend the healing period (typically between 4 to 12 months), it is vital for the long-term success of the dental implant.
If you require a bone graft, it will be the first step in the process. Bone graft surgery may be performed as a separate procedure or in conjunction with the removal of the tooth to be replaced. Bone grafts provide a crucial foundation for the successful placement of implants, ensuring stability and longevity. There are various types of bone grafts: autografts (sourced from your own body), allografts (obtained from a tissue bank), xenografts (derived from animal tissue), and synthetic alternatives.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon administers anesthesia, removes the tooth, positions and sutures the graft material and barriers in place, and provides postoperative care guidelines. Although bone grafting is an additional step in the implant procedure, which can increase the overall cost and extend the healing period (typically between 4 to 12 months), it is vital for the long-term success of the dental implant.
Surgical Stage:
During the implant surgery, the surgeon may sedation and will administer anesthesia to place the implant. The implant is inserted with the top flush with bone surface. After placement, they may insert a screw to prevent debris entry and then suture the gum over the implant, or they might attach a "healing abutment" for the gum to heal around. The implant should remain undisturbed for three to six months to allow "osseointegration," the bonding of the implant with the bone. Post-surgery swelling or tenderness is typical, and pain medication may be prescribed for relief.
Surgical follow-up
Following the integration period, the patient revisits the surgeon to either have the implant uncovered, if it was initially covered, and to have a healing abutment placed. An additional 4-6 weeks of healing may be required before moving forward. If an abutment was placed during the surgery, the surgeon will assess the torque strength to confirm bone integration. If the integration is deemed sufficient, the surgeon will give authorization to proceed with the restorative phase.
During the implant surgery, the surgeon may sedation and will administer anesthesia to place the implant. The implant is inserted with the top flush with bone surface. After placement, they may insert a screw to prevent debris entry and then suture the gum over the implant, or they might attach a "healing abutment" for the gum to heal around. The implant should remain undisturbed for three to six months to allow "osseointegration," the bonding of the implant with the bone. Post-surgery swelling or tenderness is typical, and pain medication may be prescribed for relief.
Surgical follow-up
Following the integration period, the patient revisits the surgeon to either have the implant uncovered, if it was initially covered, and to have a healing abutment placed. An additional 4-6 weeks of healing may be required before moving forward. If an abutment was placed during the surgery, the surgeon will assess the torque strength to confirm bone integration. If the integration is deemed sufficient, the surgeon will give authorization to proceed with the restorative phase.
Restoration Stage:
The restorative phase usually requires at least two visits. During the first appointment, the dentist attaches a coping to the implant and takes an impression or mold. This is sent to the dental lab along with essential details. The impression informs the lab of the implant's precise location in the bone, allowing for the creation of a custom "tooth" that seamlessly matches the surrounding teeth in size, shape, color, and fit. After the lab completes the restoration, it's returned to the dentist. During the second visit, the dentist places the restoration, a procedure that typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and rarely needs anesthesia.
Our collaborative approach guarantees the best possible results for our patients.
The restorative phase usually requires at least two visits. During the first appointment, the dentist attaches a coping to the implant and takes an impression or mold. This is sent to the dental lab along with essential details. The impression informs the lab of the implant's precise location in the bone, allowing for the creation of a custom "tooth" that seamlessly matches the surrounding teeth in size, shape, color, and fit. After the lab completes the restoration, it's returned to the dentist. During the second visit, the dentist places the restoration, a procedure that typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and rarely needs anesthesia.
Our collaborative approach guarantees the best possible results for our patients.
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