Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Dental implant use has been exploding in recent years and for good reason. They are among the most predictable and long lasting methods to replace missing teeth. Dental implants allow for a missing tooth to be replaced without having to grind down the adjacent teeth. They act to stimulate the bone where a tooth has been lost and prevent bone resorption in these areas. Our doctors have received extensive training in the surgical placement of dental implants.

There are 4 phases to implant treatment. They are:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
   
2. Implant Placement
   
3. Prosthetic Phase (placing a tooth on the implant)
   
4. Maintenance Phase

1. Diagnosis and treatment planning.

Many patients are concerned because they want dental implants, but do not know if they are a good candidate for implants. This will be determined by our doctors at your examination. If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a thorough clinical and radiographic examination and health history.

Sometimes the desired location for a dental implant lacks the necessary bone to support the implant. If this is the case our doctors will discuss the pros and cons of bone grafting techniques to augment the desired location to allow implant placement.

Following the diagnostic phase our doctors will work closely with your dentist to formulate your treatment plan. They will then present the examination findings to you during a treatment conference. Your specific needs and considerations will be addressed. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.

2. Implant Placement

The implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the bone. Implants act as tooth root substitutes. The implant only replaces the root of the missing tooth. The gum and bone is anaesthetized by a local anesthetic. The implant is gently inserted into the bone where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This means that the bone grows onto the surface of the implant and bonds to it. This takes between 8-16 weeks in most instances depending on the condition of the bone. Sometimes the implants are submerged under the gum during this healing phase. Sometimes they are left exposed flush with the gum. If they are submerged, then a second procedure will be needed to expose the implant after it has integrated with the. If the implant was not submerged, the prosthetic phase can begin once osseointegration is complete. Many times a single tooth can be replaced with 3 visits and only 8 weeks of time.

3. Prosthetic Phase

Your dentist will make the replacement teeth that are held in place be the dental implants. This will take varying lengths of time depending on the type of restoration planned. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment begins. Your implant restoration may be cemented onto the implants, or it may be screwed into place. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a segment of missing teeth, or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a loose denture.

Single tooth Implant

Multiple single-tooth implants in same jaw.




Implant-Supported Lower Denture

Implant-Supported Upper Denture

Multiple-Tooth Dental Implant

4. Maintenance Phase

Just like natural teeth or like the finest automobile, dental implants need ongoing maintenance if you are to realize their full benefit over many decades. This will include proper care at home as well as professional maintenance. Our doctors will work closely with your dentist to custom tailor your maintenance program to your specific needs.

Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily lives when undergoing dental implant treatment. Most people never have to walk around without teeth during the entire process. This will be discussed with you before any treatment takes place. We believe in no surprises!!

Success Rates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are more likely to be successful if:

1. placed in good quality bone
   
2. the patient has excellent oral hygiene
   
3. if the implant is greater than 8mm in length
   

Dental researchers have reported success rates for dental implants as follows:

1. the 15 year success rates are 90 to 98%
   
2. the 30 year success rates are 80 to 90%