Dental Implants
Dental Implants on Osborne Bay
Reasons for getting a dental implant:
– Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
-Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
-Restore a patient’s confident smile.
-Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
-Restore or enhance facial tissues.
-Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
What does getting a dental implant involve?
The process of getting dental implants requires frequent visits over several months.
X-rays (CT scan) and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. Using the diagnostic information, a treatment plan will be created very specifically for each patient (no two mouths are the same), and each implant journey will be different from the next. An implant placement could involve additional bone grafting, soft tissue grafting (gum grafting), or sinus surgery. A consultation appointment will be scheduled to discuss the course of treatment.
While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone (placement of one implant takes less than one hour) The implant is then allotted 4-6 months to heal and fully integrate into the bone. Complete integration means the implant is ready to withstand biting forces. After healing, an impression is taken and sent to the dental lab to fabricate the implant crown. The final crown is delivered and seated two weeks later. Additional appointments are required to check how the new crown is functioning within your bite. Implants are not tooth roots and do not have the same flex or natural movement as natural healthy roots. Implant-protected occlusion needs to be achieved and monitored.
When your treatment is completed, you will receive care instructions. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.