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Dental implants can be used to hold other restorative treatments in place, such as a dental bridge or dentures.
Dr. Lee will determine if you’re a good candidate for implants by taking x-rays to look at the density of your jaw bone. Inadequate jaw bone density may require bone grafting.
We’ll administer local anesthesia before making an incision into your gums and placing a titanium post in your jaw bone.
It will take 3-6 months for the osseointegration process to be complete, in which the implant becomes fused with the jaw bone.
After your jaw is fully healed and osseointegration has been complete, we will reopen your gums to attach an abutment to the implant. Impressions of your teeth are used to create your dental crown.
Your dental crown will be ready within 6 weeks of your second oral surgery and will be attached to the abutment to complete your tooth restoration.
Dental implants have so many advantages over other restorative procedures. Implants are the only restoration that can preserve the jaw bone and prevent the bone loss that results from losing teeth, while dentures can actually accelerate this process. They also last for 25 years to life except for replacing the dental crown. Other benefits of implants include the following:
Two minor oral surgeries are performed for dental implants. The initial oral surgery is the placement of the titanium post and takes 3-6 months to fully heal and become fused with the jaw bone. Then, the gums are reopened to attach the abutment which can take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks to heal. You will then be ready for the placement of your dental crown within a few weeks to fully restore your tooth.
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It takes an average of 4 weeks to recover from your implant surgeries.
A dental implant is made of two parts: a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium called the post, and the restoration, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. Posts are manufactured in a variety of pre-selected sizes to ensure each patient gets the right implant for their needs. In contrast, the restoration is completely custom-made. After your dentist places your dental implant, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
There, a technician will create a long-lasting, durable dental implant restoration out of porcelain or another high-quality material. This restoration will be sent back to our office, and it will be attached to your dental implant, completing your implant procedure.
Dental implants typically last up to 30 years or more with proper placement and care. In fact, it’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
However, the dental implant restoration, such as a dental crown or set of overdentures, usually will not last this long. Your restoration is exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more, and may need to be replaced a few times over the years.
It is possible for dental implants to become infected. This is known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this is a very rare complication, and it typically only occurs if the implant is not cared for and kept clean after surgery.
You can avoid peri-implantitis by following your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and by brushing and flossing regularly after your implant has healed.
Yes. Bone loss occurs when your jaw bone is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. Your tooth transmits this force through the root and into your jaw bone, which keeps your jaw bone healthy.
When you lose a tooth, this process stops, and the jaw bone tends to weaken. Since the post of the dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root, it restimulates your jaw bone by transmitting the force of chewing and biting once again.
Some types of dental implant systems can be done in one day. The restoration is usually temporary until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. This solution allows you to speak and eat normally, however, the restoration is temporary.
As your mouth heals, you’ll attend appointments at your doctor’s office where impressions will be taken. These impressions will guide the manufacturing of your restoration. This permanent restoration will be a more durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.
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Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates your natural bone structure.
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