Dental Implants

Information may not be reliable

What do I need to do?

Stage I Surgery: Most likely done in a dental office setting, the first procedure involves placing the implant fixtures in the jaw bone under local anesthesia and a mild sedative, or in some cases IV sedation or general anesthesia will be used (this is where your desires weigh heavily). The integration to bone will take place as soon as healing progresses, and the implant fixtures should be firmly anchored to bone within four to six months. Some cases will require bone grafting to assure that the implant anchor is completely secured in bone.

Stage II Surgery: After healing is completed, the second stage surgery is completed under local anesthesia or sedation if you desire. The implants residing under the gums at this point are exposed for access by the surgeon, so we, the restorative dentists, can place a crown on them. This is a minor surgery.

Immediate Implant and Crown Surgery: In rare cases, the environment may be conducive to receiving your implant and temporary crown in the same day. Again, some of these cases will need some bone grafting for optimal success.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal anchors that are surgically placed in your jawbone underneath the gums. On top of these anchors a prosthetic crown will sit where the natural teeth are missing. These implants support themselves and do not need to be cemented or bonded to the surrounding teeth unlike traditional crowns or bridges. Implants are generally made from titanium, which is readily accepted by the body. The crown is created in a laboratory and is very similar to a natural tooth supported crown.

Who needs Dental Implants?

Patient's that are missing teeth, would like better chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. Implants can also be the solution when it has become difficult or even impossible to wear partial or complete dentures. Eligible candidates have these qualities: Jaw bone is abundantly dense in order to secure implant Patient is medically healthy so that proper healing can occur.