What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. 

Dental implants are often the best treatment for missing teeth.  When a damaged or decayed tooth is removed, both the visible part of the tooth, called the crown, and the root are lost.

A dental implant is placed in the jawbone so that it can fuse with your natural bone and become a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Implants can be used to replace an individual tooth or for an implant-supported bridge or denture containing multiple teeth. 

Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They will allow you to confidently eat, smile, laugh, talk, play and enjoy all of your regular activities of everyday life without thinking about your teeth.

Dental Implant Stages

Dental Implant Stages

Stage I
This is the surgical stage in the placement of a dental implant. The implant is placed and in the jaw and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. The time it takes for a dental implant to integrate with the surrounding jaw bone (alveolar bone) varies from patient to patient. Some of the main factors that can affect healing include the location of placement, health of the individual, quality of bone (good blood supply, soft malleable bone vs. poor blood supply, rigid bone), health of the surrounding area where implant is placed, type of dental implant used, and oral hygiene of the implant recipient. All these factors can determine how fast and how well the dental implants will integrate. After a dental implant is placed it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months before the final restoration is completed. Healing time will vary from 3-4 months in the lower jaw to 4-6 months in the upper jaw. Implant placement surgery is completed with just local anesthesia and the whole procedure is performed under sterile conditions.

Stage II
The top of the Implant is uncovered and a small healing cap is attached.

Stage III
At this appointment an impression for a crown is obtained. The dentist will attach an impression piece to the implant and obtain a dental impression for the crown or a bridge. 

Stage IV
This appointment is to fit the crown or bridge.