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Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming more popular for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or denture.
Benefits
*The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.
*The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.
*Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.
*You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.
*The dental implant will prevent progressive bone loss.
*Implants have a proven scientific basis.
Procedure
The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the surgeon places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. THis process can take from 1 - 3 hours depening on the number of implants being placed.
This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3 - 6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A removeable crown may be utilized during this time perioud to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.
The next step in the process is to expose the top of the implant and place what is called a healing cap. At this time, you are ready for the restorative phase in the process.
An impression is taken of hte implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.
Procedure Time
As a restorative dental office, we will only be taking care of the restorative part of this procedure. For your first appointment, please allow about 1 hour for us to take the impressions needed to send to the lab so they may craft the crown. In the meantime, we will fashion a temporary crown for you. The permanent crown will be delivered to us approximately 3 weeks later for your final appointment, during which it will be cemented. This process usually takes about 1 hour as well.
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