Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth with a titanium root form implant placed into the same bone where a tooth was removed. A porcelain crown is placed onto the implant, once healed. The new implant tooth is used as a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to secure dentures in place to prevent them from moving, sliding, and causing sores. Implants offer the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.
Benefits
Procedure
Typically 3 visits will be required, with a time frame of 4-6 months before the final crown is placed.
A natural tooth has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. The crown is the white tooth that you use and see. A dental implant replaces the root below the gumline.
Visits
1. A CT scan will allow the dentist to plan your case accurately for the safest and most predictable results.
2. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where the roots were removed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed. This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A temporary flipper (removable partial) may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.
3. The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the implant. This is acheived by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that the final crown will cement to. An impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted.
4. The final crown will be tried in and, if perfect, will be permanently cemented to the abutment on the implant. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.
Benefits
- The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.
- The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
- Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.
- You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.
- The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy (shrinkage).
- Implants have a proven scientific basis.
Procedure
Typically 3 visits will be required, with a time frame of 4-6 months before the final crown is placed.
A natural tooth has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. The crown is the white tooth that you use and see. A dental implant replaces the root below the gumline.
Visits
1. A CT scan will allow the dentist to plan your case accurately for the safest and most predictable results.
2. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where the roots were removed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed. This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A temporary flipper (removable partial) may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.
3. The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the implant. This is acheived by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that the final crown will cement to. An impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted.
4. The final crown will be tried in and, if perfect, will be permanently cemented to the abutment on the implant. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.