Dental Implants

Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants

For many years, the only treatment options available for patients with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. We now have the option for dental implants that look and feel like your natural teeth! They do not require altering other teeth like a bridge does. Implants are very durable and with good oral hygiene and regular checkups by your dentist, the success rate can be up to 98%. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth as well as to secure a denture.

What to Expect

• Removal of the non-restorable tooth
• Jawbone preparation (bone grafting or socket preservation)
• Bone growth and healing
• Dental Implant Placement
• Abutment and Dental Implant Impressions
• Abutment and Implant Crown Placement

Implants are considered as a treatment plan option when teeth are missing or when the patient has a non-restorable tooth that needs to be removed and replaced. There are many reasons why we determine a tooth is non-restorable and those can include decay, bone loss, infections, and fractures. Dental implants are always an option if the patient has adequate bone level and a medical history that allows the procedure to be performed. If the doctor determines the patient has inadequate bone, then we will discuss placing a synthetic bone graft material or referring to a specialist for further evaluation.

Step 1: Removal of the Non-Restorable Tooth and Jawbone Preparation (Approximately 1.5 hours)

• When your tooth is removed, we will place socket preservation to help prevent bone loss and maintain the jaw’s shape after a tooth extraction. Bone volume can be lost due to the jaw’s natural tendency to resorb the bone.
• A synthetic bone graft material will be placed in the socket immediately after the tooth is removed. Our doctor will then place sutures in your gum tissue to cover the socket.
• We will see you 2 weeks after your surgery for a post-operative appointment to make sure everything is healing as expected.

Bone Growth and Healing

• The implant process can take at least 6 months from start to finish. Most of that time length is due to healing and waiting for growth of new bone.
• After removal of the tooth and bone graft placement you will need to heal for at least 3 months before we can proceed with placing the implant.

Step 2: Dental Implant Placement

(approximately 1-1.5 hours long)

• During this appointment the doctor will use local anesthetic to numb the area in which the implant will be placed. A hole will be drilled into the bone where the dental implant will be placed. This will be implanted deep into the bone and function as the tooth’s root.
• You will leave the office with a gap where your tooth was removed. You will not be able to feel or see the implant since it is placed into the bone and below the gum tissue.
• Following this procedure additional healing time is needed. Most patients do not mind having the gap while healing, but we can discuss a temporary replacement option if the gap can be seen when talking or smiling. 

Bone Growth

• Once the implant is placed, osseointegration will begin and the jawbone will integrate with the dental implant. This healing process takes approximately 3 months.

Step 3: Abutment and Dental Implant Crown (approximately 1 hour)

• To ensure that the abutment and implant crown fits correctly next to the adjacent teeth, we take an impression in your mouth to make a stone model. We send this model to a dental laboratory where your abutment and crown will be made.
• You will not leave the office with an abutment or implant crown to fill the gap at this appointment. It will take 2-3 weeks for the lab to fabricate them. If we made a temporary replacement option after your extraction, then you can continue to wear it until your next appointment.

Step 4: Abutment and Implant Crown Delivery (approximately 1 hour)

• At this appointment the doctor will place your abutment and implant crown. Your bite will be checked, and any bite adjustments needed will be done.
• Step 4 completes your dental implant procedure. To help maintain a 98% success rate you should be seen for regular dental cleanings and exams. Although it’s not possible to get decay on your implant, you can get periodontal issues and bone loss that will lead to implant failure.
• Some other reasons dental implants fail are: 1) failed osseointegration 2) trauma 3) medical conditions such as osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer 4) some medications people take such as antidepressants 5) SMOKING which can limit the flow of oxygen and hinder healing 6) bruxism meaning clenching or grinding 7) eating hard or chewy foods.