Dental Implant:
Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth. A titanium screw-like device is surgically placed into the jaw bone, serving as the root of the tooth . The patients surrounding bone and titanium rod will heal and integrate together, then a custom crown is connected to the implant, restoring the tooth. We can also fabricate snap-like attachments with implants for partials/dentures to click onto for stability.
Implant Process:
Step One: Consult- Dentist will measure bone and sometimes take CBCT or 3D x-ray to determine if space is good candidate for implant placement. If tooth is yet to be extracted, we will discuss option to do an immediate implant placement where tooth is extracted and implant placed at the same appointment. Dentist will also review medical history at this appointment, (Please be sure to mention history of bisphosphonates, blood thinners or Vitamin D deficiency.).
Step Two: Implant Placement- Approx. 1/1.5 hour appointment to place implant. Patient will leave with sutures at this appointment. Very minimal discomfort is to be expected day of and day after.
Step Three: Suture Removal- Approx. 2 to 3 weeks after implant is placed, 20 min appointment to have sutures removed.
Allow implant to integrate and heal about 3 to 4 months with possibility of 1 or 2 appointments in- between this time to verify bone and implant are integrating well.
Step Four: Place Healing Abutment- After healing is complete, Dentist will make small incision and expose implant and place "button" or healing abutment on top of the tissue to allow tissue to form correctly for implant crown impression.
Step Five: Implant Crown Impression- In about 1 week after healing abutment in placed, final impression is taken and sent to lab for fabrication of implant crown. Lab will take approx. 3-4 weeks to return implant crown to us.
Step Six: Crown delivery- Healing abutment is removed and crown is tried in and adjusted. Then cemented or screwed into place depending on implant crown type.
Treat implant like your original tooth and floss and brush as normal!