Placing Dental Implants
Dental implant placement is not a general dentistry procedure. Dental implant surgery requires extensive training and education beyond dental school, and is most-effectively performed by an experienced oral surgeon. Patient comfort is a priority in all of our procedures, and our doctors have trained in a hospital setting to administer all forms of anesthesia. Unlike a dentist’s office, we offer IV sedation that will allow you to sleep through the procedure for faster, more comfortable treatment.
The actual procedure involves surgically inserting one or more dental implants into the jawbone, which takes between 4-6 months to heal after surgery. While healing, the jawbone will fuse to the dental implant's titanium surface--a process called "osseointegration"--to create a permanent, stable foundation for replacement teeth. After the jawbone heals, the restoration will be attached to the implants with connective abutments. In immediate placement cases, the restoration will be attached immediately after dental implant surgery.
Long-term Benefits of Dental Implants
Self-confidence isn’t the only casualty of missing teeth. The force from biting and chewing helps facilitate healthy blood flow and enables an adequate supply of nutrients to the jawbone. Following tooth loss, the jawbone that once surrounded the teeth’s roots becomes resorbed, or atrophied, and its nutrients are dispersed to other areas of the body. Traditional dental prosthetics are highly-effective at restoring the ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile, but only dental implants can halt jawbone resorption by replacing the bite stimulation of healthy tooth roots.
Patients who’ve worn conventional dentures for a while may be familiar with denture slippage and the need for routine readjustments. As dental ridges shrink due to jawbone resorption, dentures no longer fit as snugly as they were originally designed. Securing a denture to a series of dental implants eliminates denture slippage on two fronts: by providing a more secure foundation than dental adhesives, and by halting jawbone resorption and the shrinking of your dental ridge.
Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a superior method of restoration for missing teeth. Implants are incredibly stable, durable, and with proper care, can last a lifetime. In short, dental implants are a priceless investment in your confidence and ability to fully enjoy everyday activities, like eating your favorite foods. The single most important step you can make to safeguard your investment is to choose a highly trained oral surgeon to perform your surgery. Unlike general dentists who infrequently place implants, our specialists have years of experience in implant dentistry. Additionally, we implement advanced techniques and the highest quality materials to ensure your implants look and feel completely natural for years to come.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
Dental implants are not right for everyone. In addition to being in good general and oral health, patients who are interested in receiving traditional implants must have a sufficient amount of strong, healthy jawbone to support the implant post. During a thorough examination, x-rays will be used to help determine your candidacy. For patients who qualify, our skilled surgeons may first perform a bone grafting procedure to strengthen and build up the jaw. Patients who do not meet the criteria for traditional implant candidacy are often happy to learn that they can receive mini implants.
Restoration of Dental Implants
Dental implant-supported restorations are not only durable and restore full functionality, but can be crafted in such a way that they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Depending on the placement of your implant, you may choose an all-porcelain restoration, which mimics the appearance of enamel, and can be tinted to match adjacent teeth. Our practice partners with trusted labs who use the highest quality materials to create our patients' restorations, ensuring they last for years while restoring your bite and smile.
Dental Implant Timeline
The dental implant procedure is individualized based on each patient's oral health, restorative concerns, and treatment goals. Dental implant timelines vary on a case-by-case basis. Some patients' total treatment time may be as little as a single appointment for immediate-placement implants, a type of mini dental implant, while others may be upwards of several months. We use advanced technology to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.