Standard Dental Implants
What is an Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium and used to support a crown, bridge or denture.
Why do our dentists recommend an Implant?
Because you have one or more missing teeth and the dentist feels this is the best treatment option for you. It is a great solution to replacing teeth because they function just like your natural teeth and eliminate the need to do further dentistry on the neighboring teeth, unlike a bridge. The implant acts as the root of the tooth and prevents bone loss in the area of an extracted or missing tooth.
What does the procedure entail for a single Standard Implant and Crown?
Appointment 1: If a patient still has a tooth that requires extraction, the dentist carefully removes the tooth.
Appointment 2: Eight-twelve weeks later a 3D panoramic x-ray is taken of the area along with a 3D scan of the mouth. Both of these scans are sent off to our lab and a surgical guide is made (this helps us with the placement of the implant).
Appointment 3: Once the surgical guide is back in our office the implant is placed. This is STAGE 1.
Appointment 4: Two to three months after placing the implant, the health and stability of the implant are checked with a special device. We typically have to laser the gum tissue that grows over the implant at this time and we take an impression of the implant and send it to the lab to have your crown (tooth-like cap) made.
Appointment 5: The crown is placed on the implant and a final filling is placed in the top of the implant (a hole is left in the implant crown in case something happens to the implant, we can easily get to the implant without removing the crown).
THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE FROM START TO FINISH CAN BE COMPLETED IN AS LITTLE AS FOUR MONTHS
Can you place a bridge or denture using implants?
Yes! Implants can be used to secure a bridge or a denture. If teeth are missing, implants are a great way to aesthetically replace teeth.
How do I care for the Implant at home?
Exactly how you would a natural tooth. It is essential that you take good care of your implant(s) by stimudenting, flossing and waterpiking. Rubber tip stimulators are also great at preventing inflammation around implants.
Can my Implant(s) Fail?
Yes. Implants are susceptible to peri-implantitis (an inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues causing bone loss around an implant). If you are experiencing pain or feel like your implant is loose, please call the office right away!