Dental implant placement procedure
It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not… all you need to do is come into the Implant Center at Dental Associates, sit down, and relax. In most situations, a 3D CT scan is used with virtual planning software to plan the implant placement and the design of the replacement teeth, even before the procedure itself starts. This is done after the initial examination and, if needed, allows for temporary replacement teeth to be ready for you the day of surgery.
And be assured that you will get outstanding, professional care. First, you’ll be made comfortable with the recommended sedation option. If necessary, any tooth extractions that need to be done will be done just prior to implant placement. After any teeth are removed, dental implants will be placed in the jaw bone using a gentle surgical technique. Replacement teeth will then be placed onto the implants. You’ll leave the office with your teeth, all in one appointment!
In some instances, you and your doctor may decide that a more traditional approach to implant placement is best. With a traditional type procedure, after the implants are placed, they will be left undisturbed for a period of several weeks to a few months while the surrounding bone and soft tissue heal. During this bone-remodeling phase, the bone will grow and the tissue will shape around the implants to form a strong biological bond. Temporary teeth will be placed on the implants, though, so you will never leave the office without teeth.
If your situation calls for the All-on-4 procedure, if you’re missing all your teeth or want to get rid of the pain of dentures, you’ll leave the office that day with a beautiful provisional dental implant-supported bridge. This is a temporary dental implant bridge designed to last up to 6 months. This 6-month period will allow for the bone in your jaw to heal and will allow time for the permanent implant-supported bridge to be made. In no longer than 6 months, you will get your permanent fixed teeth that will fit you perfectly. In the meantime, your temporary teeth will look and feel like real teeth. They’ll look great, and they’ll allow you to begin regaining your old eating habits. You’ll immediately see a revitalized appearance and develop a renewed self-confidence!
Restorative process
the appropriate bone remodeling/healing period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each implant. The temporary teeth, and eventually the permanent replacement teeth, will be attached to these abutments.
Fabrication of permanent replacement teeth
The Dental Implant Center at Dental Associates has a custom dental laboratory that is fully equipped to make your temporary teeth and your final teeth. Impressions will be taken of your new teeth as well as the implant abutments. The appropriate shade for your replacement teeth, as decided by you and your doctor, will be selected and our highly skilled technicians will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the implants. This process can be done the same day as the implant procedure, or one to two weeks depending on the treatment option, number of missing teeth and the type of replacement teeth.
Maintenance and follow-up
You’ve made the decision, the right decision, to get dental implants to create a permanent, lifelong smile. It’s important to protect your new smile. But, that’s easy. Just brush and floss at least twice daily, and have regular check-ups and cleanings at Dental Associates. Your dental implants look and act just like real teeth. Treat them as you would your natural teeth, and you’ll have a beautiful smile for life.