Dental Implants

What is the procedure for dental implants?

1. Initial Consultation – Your implant dentist will visually examine your mouth, take a 3D image, and discuss the various implant options. We will work with you to develop a plan for your implant surgery and restoration. At this appointment, we will determine if there is any bone grafting needed before or during implant placement. If bone grafting is needed beforehand, this will be accomplished before moving to step two.
2. Implant Placement – The dental implant will be surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Each patient is different and unique, but most people find that they experience much less discomfort than they expected and typically return to work the day after surgery. Local anesthesia is often used, but many people also opt to use IV sedation. Post-implant discomfort is similar to other dental surgery. You may have some minor swelling, bruising, and/or pain. Almost all patients manage any pain with over-the-counter medications.
3. Healing Period – As you heal, the implant fuses to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This can take up to several months. You will be on a soft diet for a period of time during the initial healing. In some cases, temporary teeth can be placed on the implant during this phase.
4. Abutment and Crown Placement – Once the implant is fully fused to the bone, something we measure with resonance frequency analysis, the final restoration is fabricated and delivered. This consists of the connector piece, called the abutment, and the custom-made crown which is made to blend with your remaining natural teeth.
5. Periodic Check-Ups – After the dental implant process is finished, you’ll visit your dentist regularly for follow-up checkups. Although implants don’t decay, they still need routine care, checkups and cleanings.

Who can benefit from implants?

Dental implants can be a great option for many different people, including adults of a variety of ages. Implants can restore issues from many different causes – whether you were born without a tooth or multiple teeth, or have lost a tooth due to infection, decay, fractures, or trauma. They can be used for adolescents once their face is done growing, which usually occurs around 17-18 for girls and around 19-22 for boys.

Why an implant vs alternatives (such as a bridge or removable partial)?

Dental implants have many advantages in comparison to alternative tooth replacement options like a bridge or removable options. They feel, fit, look, and function like natural teeth. You don’t need to take anything out of your mouth to clean and can clean around them just like your natural teeth. Implants help to retain the natural shape of your smile and your facial structure. With the proper care, implants can last many decades, whereas the alternatives have much shorter average lifespans – replacing or repairing the alternatives multiple times adds up so in the long run, you can end up saving money and time in the chair with implants.

What if I've been told I am not a candidate for dental implants because I don't have enough bone?

Dental implants do require a certain amount of bone height, width, density, and health to be possible. If you do not currently have sufficient bone available because of trauma or missing teeth for a long period of time, we may be able to use advanced bone grafting techniques to restore the jawbone and place implants for you.

What is a full arch implant treatment?

There are a couple options for full arch implant treatments.

1. Ball Attachment Overdenture: The first option is known as an “overdenture.” This is where two or four implants are placed on your lower jaw and a denture “snaps in” to these implants.
2. Bar Overdenture: The second option is known as a “bar overdenture” and involves placing four to six implants into your upper or lower jaw. The implants are connected with a support bar and your denture will attach to the support bar with clips.
3. Fixed Denture (Screwed In Place): A third option involves placing enough implants in the upper or lower jawbone to support a fixed bridge. The full arch bridge is screwed into the implants so they can only be taken out in our office for maintenance visits.
4. Individual Crowns and Bridges: This is the most natural-looking, functioning and feeling full arch implant restoration. It typically requires at least 8 or more implants and the restorations are placed in segments.