Dental Implants

The process of implant consideration always starts with the restorative dentist. A comprehensive examination with radiographs (x-rays) and a subsequent consultation will define the potential options. The patient will then be referred to a periodontist or oral surgeon. During that consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your x-rays and get a 3-dimensional image (CBCT) to determine if there is proper bone to serve as the foundation for your implant. It is possible that procedures such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafting, to provide the optimal implant success, may also be discussed. The size and placement of the implant and the potential for a surgical guide will be discussed between the surgeon and your restorative dentist at this time.

A comprehensive examination with a review of your medical history, x-rays, and other diagnostic tools are used to determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant. A team approach with the restorative dentist and the surgeon is extremely important to properly plan out your treatment.

Patients are able to return to your regular daily activities soon after having your dental implant placed. You may be asked to restrain from vigorous exercise or activity for a short time and instructed to avoid pressure on the surgical site for 6 weeks or more.

The majority of patients experience no pain during dental implant placement and little discomfort post-surgery. If bone grafting is needed, there will be post-operative discomfort. The current types of local anesthesia used are amazing and keep you comfortable during the procedure. You may be prescribed medication to reduce the risk of infection and pain during the recovery period.

Yes, but only with strict criteria. Pressure on the implant will result in failure so patient compliance is imperative. The implant must have a strong initial bond with the bone. Dense bone is better than less dense bone. The immediate placement and restoration of an implant is usually used in areas of the mouth where aesthetics are a concern. The restorations are always provisional and attached to the implant by a screw. Since it is impossible to know how dense the bone is or how strong the initial bond is, the decision is always made at the time of surgery.

Yes. Since immediate implants and immediate provisionalization is contemplated in aesthetic areas, the technique involved is sophisticated and time-consuming. The provisional is fabricated by hand and designed to shape the gum tissue in preparation for the eventual definitive restoration.

When the implants involve posterior teeth or non-aesthetic areas, no temporary is needed. There are many options for temporarily replacing the space where the missing tooth is while the implant is healing. There are “flippers” and Essix appliances which are removable in nature. There are also nonremovable options. Provisional crowns can be placed on immediate implants but strict criteria apply. Semi-permanent bonded options exist also. Your dentist can go over all options with you at your consultation.

A properly placed and restored dental implant will function and feel like your natural tooth. You will be able to floss around it like your natural teeth and it does not need to be removed daily like a denture. Dentures can be dislodged during chewing and upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth affecting the enjoyment of eating.

A dental implant restoration is the 21st century best option for replacement of missing teeth. Missing teeth can be replaced without involving your natural teeth. Since implants can be single units, they look and act like natural teeth. Brushing and flossing are the same as natural teeth. The process of getting implants and restoring them takes much longer. The fixed bridge is a 20th century way to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge requires the dentist to place crowns on the adjacent teeth to serve as anchors (abutments) for the one or more missing tooth/teeth (pontic). This involves irreversibly altering the abutment teeth to bridge the gap where teeth are missing. Fabrication of a bridge takes much less time as compared to implants. Oral hygiene is more demanding and as the gum tissue shrinks over time, food impaction can occur.