Dental Implants

A dental implant is a permanent and non-removable tooth replacement option that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

What are dental implants? 

A dental implant is a threaded titanium post that is shaped like a screw. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone at the location of a missing tooth. The implant serves to replace the tooth root (the portion of your tooth that is under the bone). Over the course of the following 3-6 months, bone fuses to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth/crowns which will be designed and inserted by your dentist. 

Do you offer ceramic zirconia (non-metallic) implants?

Yes, in addition to traditional titanium implants, we offer dental implants made from zirconia. Increasing incidence of titanium allergies, a rising demand for metal-free reconstructions, and expanded interest in holistic medicine have led to increasing demand for implant made by a titanium alternative. Although relatively new to the U.S., zirconia implants have been used in Europe since the late 1980’s.  Like titanium, zirconia-based implants are biocompatible offering high acceptance rates with the body and FDA approved for use as tooth replacement. 

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Almost everybody is a candidate for dental implants. If you are considering implants, a consultation can be scheduled with one of our surgeons to discuss your treatment options. At your consultation appointment your mouth will be examined thoroughly, a CBCT (3D radiograph) will be obtained, and your medical and dental history will be reviewed. The CBCT will be used to determine if you have enough bone to support a dental implant. If there is not enough bone to support a dental implant, a Bone Graft may be necessary prior to or during the time of implant placement to increase the quality and quantity of bone surrounding the implant. 

What does implant surgery involve? 

For patients who have already had their tooth extracted in the past and do not require bone grafting, the placement of dental implants will involve just one or two simple surgical procedures. During the first surgical procedure the implant is placed into the jawbone, covered by your gum tissue, and allowed to heal for 3-6 months. During this healing phase you will be able to wear a temporary tooth replacement made by your dentist for cosmetic purposes (flipper or Essix retainer). After the implant has healed to the jawbone, a second surgical procedure is required to uncover the implant and place a metal collar (known as a healing abutment), which will allow your dentist to take an impression and fabricate the crown portion of your implant. 

In some instances, the second surgical procedure can be averted by placement of the metal collar (healing abutment) at the time of initial implant placement. This decision will be made by your surgeon at the time of surgery and will depend on the stability of the implant and the quality of surrounding bone. Implant placed in such a manner will still require 3-6 months of healing prior to crown fabrication and does not affect your ability to wear a temporary tooth replacement. 

Patients who are interested in replacing a tooth with an implant but have not yet had the tooth extracted will require extraction and Bone Grafting followed by a 4 month healing period prior to implant placement.

Can an implant be placed at the same time as tooth extraction?

Yes, in some instances an implant can be placed at the time of extraction. Immediate implant placement can reduce the total treatment time by up to 4 months by eliminating the post-extraction healing period prior to implant placement. Several strict criteria must be met in order to qualify you as a candidate for immediate implant placement. These include adequate quality and quantity of bone after extraction of the tooth, healthy surrounding gums, and a tooth that was free of infection prior to extraction. After a thorough clinical and radiographic examination during your consultation appointment, your surgeon will discuss all your treatment options and offer immediate implant placement if you are a candidate! 

Why do implants take so long to heal? 

Although a titanium dental implant is often compared to a screw, the two have significant differences. 

When a metal screw is inserted into a wooden wall it is relying 100% on the mechanical retention of the screw thread to hold it in place. Years later, the same screw can be reversed and removed from the wall without difficulty. 

When a titanium implant is inserted into the jawbone, a biologic phenomenon known as osseointegration occurs over the course of 3-6 months. Osseointegration is a biologic bond is created between the implant surface and the bone, resulting in a permanent fusion. After the healing period is complete, the implant cannot be simply reversed and removed from the bone. In order for osseointegration to occur successfully, however, the implant must be left to heal quietly without pressure or vibrations from chewing.

What anesthesia options are available for my implant surgery? 

For patient comfort we offer three anesthesia options to our patients undergoing dental implant surgery: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, and general anesthesia. Anesthesia options will be discussed with you during your consultation visit. All our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques. More information about anesthesia options can be found on our Anesthesia Page.