Dental Implants: What to expect

A successful implant process takes a great deal of treatment planning and in-depth knowledge of implant dentistry. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best modern dentistry has to offer. We take a comprehensive approach to your implant care to give you the best possible outcome.

The process begins with a comprehensive consultation. During your consultation, we will evaluate the condition of your teeth as well as your jawbone density, medical history, and any other relevant information. If we deem that dental implants will be right for you, we will coordinate all aspects of the procedure.

The placement of your implant is crucial to their overall success, so we use digital technology for the planning and placement of your implants. With computer guided tools, we are able to accurately place implants and give you the best possible outcome.

Once we place your implants, they will need a few months to fully heal. During the healing phase, we will place a temporary restoration to help improve your dental function while your implants heal. After the implants heal, we will attach your permanent, custom-made restoration.

With an implant-secured restoration, you can smile confidently again without the need for special maintenance.

Cavity filling

This is by far the most common restorative dental procedure. When bacteria burrow into the enamel (the hard outer layer) of your tooth and create a hole (known as a cavity) it needs to be filled to protect the soft pulp inside. In a cavity filling procedure, the dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and fill the hole with composite material that is the same color as your tooth. This filling will prevent the bacteria from continuing to infect the tooth.

Root canal

A root canal procedure may be required when a cavity goes deep enough into the tooth that it exposes the soft pulp inside the tooth. Sometimes a root canal is needed after an injury to the tooth. Usually the reason for a root canal is that the inside of the tooth is infected. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will clean out all of the soft pulp from inside the tooth and the root canal, rinse out the infection, and fill the inside of the tooth with composite material similar to what is used in a cavity filling. Once the inside is filled it can no longer become infected and the tooth is saved.

Dental implant

If you have a tooth that is missing or needs to be extracted due to severe decay or damage, it can be replaced with a dental implant. A dental implant is a complete artificial tooth and root system. The implant root is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that bonds with the jaw bone to form a solid hold. The root is surgically placed in the jaw and a crown is attached to the top. The whole implant looks and functions just like a natural tooth, which is why it is considered to be the best tooth replacement option. Dental implants can also function as anchors for bridges and dentures.

Crown

When a tooth becomes damaged in some way, whether from severe decay or a crack or break in the tooth, it can be reinforced with a crown (also known as a cap). In a crown placement procedure, the top part of the tooth is shaved down and the crown is placed over the top. The crown looks and functions just like your natural tooth and the natural root remains in place.

Bridge

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is suspended between two crowns. Sometimes a bridge consists of a row of multiple teeth. The bridge is held in place by crowns placed over the existing teeth on either side of the bridge, or by dental implants. The bridge sits on top of the gums but doesn’t include a root.

Dentures

If you don’t have enough healthy teeth in your mouth to function properly, dentures are a replacement option. Normally dentures consist of an entire arch of teeth. Removable dentures can be attached to the gums via suction or adhesives. Implant supported dentures (also known as snap-on dentures) are held in place by a few dental implants placed in the jaw.