DENTAL IMPLANTS
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. A porcelain and/or metal 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.
Procedure – Typically 5 visits are required for dental implants, with a time frame of 6-8 months between extraction and final product.
1. Extraction of tooth and possible bone graft. A temporary flipper (removable piece of acrylic) may be utilized during the implant process to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.
2. A CT scan 3-4 months later will allow the dentist to plan your case accurately for the safest and most predictable results. A dental cone beam CT scan is different from a medical CT scan in that it shows dental structures much more clearly and exposes patients to a fraction of the radiation. With the scan, implant placement can be planned three-dimensionally. This assures that all important structures, such as sinuses, nerves, and blood vessels are avoided during implant placement. It also allows for optimal planning of implant placement in regards to the esthetics and function of the final restorations (crowns, bridges, or dentures). Sometimes, the CT scan shows the dentist that your case needs to be referred to a specialist for special grafting.
3. Surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where the roots were removed. Sometimes more bone grafting is needed. 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.
4. The next step in the process is to take an impression of the implant after healing. We will uncover the top of the implant, and a piece called an abutment will be placed. An impression is taken and sent to the lab so that a crown, bridge, or denture can be made.
5. The final crown or bridge 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. If you are having a denture made to snap onto the implants, the process involves a couple extra visits to ensure proper esthetics and fit.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.
Procedure – Typically 5 visits are required for dental implants, with a time frame of 6-8 months between extraction and final product.
1. Extraction of tooth and possible bone graft. A temporary flipper (removable piece of acrylic) may be utilized during the implant process to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.
2. A CT scan 3-4 months later will allow the dentist to plan your case accurately for the safest and most predictable results. A dental cone beam CT scan is different from a medical CT scan in that it shows dental structures much more clearly and exposes patients to a fraction of the radiation. With the scan, implant placement can be planned three-dimensionally. This assures that all important structures, such as sinuses, nerves, and blood vessels are avoided during implant placement. It also allows for optimal planning of implant placement in regards to the esthetics and function of the final restorations (crowns, bridges, or dentures). Sometimes, the CT scan shows the dentist that your case needs to be referred to a specialist for special grafting.
3. Surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where the roots were removed. Sometimes more bone grafting is needed. 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.
4. The next step in the process is to take an impression of the implant after healing. We will uncover the top of the implant, and a piece called an abutment will be placed. An impression is taken and sent to the lab so that a crown, bridge, or denture can be made.
5. The final crown or bridge 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. If you are having a denture made to snap onto the implants, the process involves a couple extra visits to ensure proper esthetics and fit.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.