Implant Surgery & Restoration
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Restored dental implants can offer a welcome alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework. The main advantage of an implant is that it replaces tooth just as if it really were one. We can avoid cutting down neighboring healthy teeth and prevent possible root canal therapy of those teeth – which is not the case with a bridge. Why sacrifice the healthy structure of surrounding teeth to bridge a space? Unlike bridgework which tends to last about 8-10 years, an implant has almost infinite longevity as long as it is cared for properly. Unlike the inconvenient denture or partial that comes in and out, you never have to worry about an implant being uncomfortable and or embarrassing you by falling out.
A dental implant is made up of two parts: the implant itself which takes place of the root of the tooth, and the implant restoration or crown which is the part everyone sees. It is important to note the two separate parts as this is how your new implant will be placed. The first phase of the procedure is the surgical placement of the implant, and the second phase is restoring that implant to give you your “tooth”.
Dental implant surgery is a very predictable procedure that we regularly do for our patients. The implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone where the missing or damaged tooth was. At this time a bone graft may be placed in order to further support the implant if the stability of the surrounding bone is in question.
Following this procedure, the jawbone begins to heal around the metal post, anchoring it strongly in the jaw. The healing process can take from ten to twelve weeks depending on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. During this time, we will monitor the progress of the implant to make sure we have the most ideal outcome possible. After we are sure it is stable, the second phase of treatment can begin.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post – called an abutment – is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth, we will take impressions. The impression is sent to a lab that will fabricate your new replacement tooth called a crown. The crown, custom matched to your look just like the rest of your teeth, is attached to the abutment.
Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that hold on to and support a removable denture or partial. This option creates a much more stable prosthetic, allowing you to focus on talking and smiling normally instead of worrying about the mortifying possibilities.
The implant is held safe and out of sight within the jawbone, so the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth. The difference is barely noticeable, and the benefits are unsurpassed. Patients at our office agree that getting dental implants was well worth the time and money.
A short video below will allow you to visualize the phases of treatment better.