Dental Implants

You’ve lost a tooth or perhaps it was never there to begin with! Maybe the decay on your tooth was too deep to restore or perhaps you’re a hockey player and caught a puck…with your front tooth! It’s time we discussed dental implants!

WHAT TO EXPECT

In some situations, it is impossible to save a tooth. However, an implant can be used to ensure that surrounding teeth do not need to be prepared for a bridge.

YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IF YOU:

-Are in good health
-Have healthy gums
-Have enough bone to anchor the implants in the jaw
-Are committed to taking care of the implanted teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to provide stable support for artificial teeth. Some people who have lost bone in their jaw can still get implants, but first the bone must be augmented with a bone graft. Dentures and bridges mounted to dental implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth, which will make you feel more comfortable and confident about eating and speaking. After receiving implants, regular follow-up visits are important.

WHAT TO EXPECT

MULTIPLE VISITS — CASE DEPENDENT

After administering local anesthesia, the implant will be carefully inserted into the bone. The gums will be sewn above the implant site and you will be left to heal for about two the three months depending on the site of the implant. At the three month mark, a test will be done on the implant to ensure what’s called osseointegration or a fusing of the implant to the bone. At this stage, a small contoured healing cap will be attached to the implant to connect the implant to surface of the gums and help shape the gums and receive the final crown.

Dr. Plotnick will unscrew the healing cap and screw in an impression coping, which is specifically made for your implant. An x-ray and putty impression will be taken to ensure proper fit. Photos will be taken of the teeth for the dental ceramist to create a life-like implant crown that no one will detect. The healing cap will be replaced and your next visit will be in two weeks for the final insertion of your crown.

The final visit will be just as easy as the previous one. The healing cap will be removed, a disinfecting solution will be applied to the implant to rid any bacteria, and the permanent custom abutment will be tried along with the implant crown. Dental x-rays will be taken to ensure a quality fit and that no micro-gaps are noted between the interface of the abutment and implant.

Implant crowns can be made in two ways; there are those that are screw retained, and those that are cement retained. We will choose the best fit for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gums grow around implants?

Gums do not grow around dental implants in the same way they grow around natural teeth. The gum tissue only forms a seal around the implant, helping to protect it from bacteria. Proper oral hygiene and care are imperative to maintain healthy gum tissue around implants and ensure the longevity of the implant and the overall health of the surrounding oral structures.

Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?

While waiting for your dental implant, you can get a temporary implant crown or a flipper, which is a removable prosthetic tooth. It's designed to fill gaps and help maintain the aesthetics of your smile during the healing period when your jawbone integrates with the implant post.

How long does a dental implant last?

Typically, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years or, in many cases, a lifetime. Overall health, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle choices make the greatest impact on a dental implant's lifespan.

Can a tooth implant get infected?

A dental implant can indeed get infected, a condition known as peri-implantitis. This infection is similar to periodontal disease, but it affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Good oral hygiene is critical to preventing an infection, as it usually stems from the accumulation of bacteria at the implant site.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are ideal for those with one or more missing teeth who are looking to restore their dental function and aesthetics. Having sufficient jawbone density is crucial to support the implant, and engaging in good oral health practices can reduce the risk of infection. It is also important that candidates do not have any health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smokers, which could impair bone healing.

Can a dental implant get infected?

A dental implant can indeed get infected, a condition known as peri-implantitis. This infection is similar to periodontal disease, but it affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Good oral hygiene is critical to preventing an infection, as it usually stems from the accumulation of bacteria at the implant site.

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