• Dental implants are biocompatible substitutes for lost natural teeth. They are devices for attaching artificial replacement teeth firmly to the bone. Implants can be used to support a single crown or as anchors for fixed bridges and removable dentures.

• Most patients who are healthy enough to undergo normal dental treatment and maintain good oral hygiene can have dental implants. Since general health conditions or structures of the mouth may prevent the use of an implant, individual evaluation is necessary.

   

• Implants function better than removable teeth. In most cases patients can eat without being aware of the implants. Most patients are happier with fixed teeth, a single tooth, or removable dentures that are supported by implants.

   

• When adequately trained practitioner does the surgery, most of the possible complications associated with implant surgery are not serious; most problems are easily reversed by medication.

   

• A basic requirement of implant treatment is enough time for adequate healing. This is usually from two to six months. During this period, the patient will wear a temporary appliance.

Treatment  Steps

What Exactly Does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

First, you will need to discuss your options with your dentist.  Together, it will be decided if you are a good candidate for dental implants.  The dentist will take a complete dental history, x-rays, and complete a thorough oral examination.  If you are a candidate for implant surgery, the procedure is as follows:  

1.     Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone. This is usually done right in the dentist office, with a local anesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately two to six months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as ‘Osseointegration’.  

2.     Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the implant, which is may or may not be needed, whereby the dentist will attach the post to the implant.  The function of the post is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia.  

3.     The last phase is the restorative phase.  The dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach to the implants. This will require several visits. Once completed, your mouth will be restored to natural looking, strong teeth.

Implant Supported non-removable prosthesis

Implant Supported Single crown