Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the dental implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the dental implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Eichner, Dr. Smiga, Dr. Davies, Dr. Robertson and Dr. Hartman are able to place single stage implants. These dental implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the dental implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Eichner, Smiga, Davies, Robertson and Hartman perform the actual dental implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the dental implant process.

The Dental Implants Surgical Procedure

The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one dental implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.

Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed.

When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this dental implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the dental implant covered by the gum tissue.

1. Normal

2. Tooth Loss

3. Healed Bone

4. Implant Placed

5. Healing

6. Implant Restored

The Healing Process After Dental Implants

Once your dental implant procedure is complete, the healing phase begins. The duration of this healing period can vary depending on individual factors, such as the amount and quality of bone in the area. In some instances, the implant may be restored immediately after placement, but your oral surgeon will determine the best timeline for your follow-up care.

After the initial healing period, a brief follow-up visit is scheduled to place either a healing cap or an abutment (support post) on the implant. This step helps shape the surrounding gum tissue and allows access to the implant for the next stages of your treatment.

In some cases, impressions are taken at the time the implant is placed. This allows your final crown to be prepared in advance and ready once healing is complete. Healing times vary based on multiple factors, and typically, one to four follow-up visits are needed to monitor your progress and prepare for the restorative phase.

A soft tissue graft may also be recommended to enhance the gum tissue around the implant. This involves transferring a small amount of gum tissue from another area of your mouth to the implant site. The procedure is usually quick and comfortable and can result in stronger, healthier, and more natural-looking gum tissue.

Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, the final step is fitting a custom crown onto the implant, completing your restoration and restoring function and aesthetics.

Timing of Dental Implant Placement

Implants are often placed several months after tooth extraction. In some cases, they can be inserted immediately following the removal of a tooth. Although this can carry slightly higher risks, it can streamline the process by eliminating the need for a second surgical visit. However, if there’s infection or bone loss, immediate placement may not be suitable.

If a tooth has been missing for a long time, the surrounding bone may shrink or become thinner, as natural tooth roots are needed to stimulate and preserve bone density. Within the first year after an extraction, up to one-third of the jawbone’s thickness can be lost. If there isn’t enough bone at the site, a bone graft may be needed to provide a stable foundation for the implant.

How Many Implants Will You Need?

Typically, one dental implant is placed for each missing tooth. However, because molars and other large back teeth often have multiple roots, they may require larger implants for optimal support. Your dental team will tailor the number and type of implants based on your specific needs.

Are You in Need of Oral & Maxillofacial Treatment?

You can trust Drs. Eichner, Smiga, Davies, Robertson and Hartman to provide you with outstanding care. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options.

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