Dental Implants

Dental implants were first introduced to the world of dentistry over half a century ago. Over the past decade or two, dental implants have become more widely accepted by dentists and patients alike. This is because the procedure of placing and restoring implants has been greatly improved and there is a greater awareness to the benefits of implant dentistry.

A dental implant is in many cases, the best option to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. When a tooth has been removed, the bone in this area will resorb over time, leaving the patient with bone loss. Implants stimulate bone which ultimately maintains the level of bone in the area. The versatility of dental implants allows us to restore patients in several different ways. Patients that are missing one tooth can have this area restored with a single implant and a crown. Patients that are missing a few teeth can have this area restored with multiple implants and a bridge. Patients that are missing all of their teeth can have several implants placed. Those implants would then be restored either with dentures that would attach to the implants or with bridges that would be permanently cemented into place over the implants.

Procedure

The surgical portion of implant therapy is the actual placement of a dental implant into the jaw bone. The implant site is anesthetized and the tissue is opened. The implant is then placed into the jaw bone and the tissue is then sutured shut over the implant. This procedure is relatively painless. The implant will then be left to integrate in the bone for the next 3-6 months. This is when the implant essentially “will fuse” to the bone. During this period of time, a temporary tooth or teeth may be fabricated to regain esthetics and function.

After a 3-6 month healing period, we can then restore the implant. The tissue is removed from above the implant and an abutment is screwed down into the implant. The abutment rises above the tissue. An impression is taken of the abutment and sent to our dental laboratory where the permanent restorations will be fabricated. The final procedure will be to cement the crown over the abutment. Now you can smile and chew with confidence.

Before & After

BEFORE	AFTER