Dental Implant Services

Dental Implants and How they Work

 

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the tooth root. The implant is then capped with a crown, bridge, or other prosthesis which looks and functions like a natural tooth.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

The process of getting a dental implant usually involves several steps. First, we will assess your overall and oral health to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This may include taking x-rays, 3-D scan of the jaw and other imaging tests to examine the jawbone and surrounding teeth.

​

If you are a good candidate, we will schedule a surgical appointment to place the implant into the jawbone. During the procedure, we will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. Then, we will prepare a space and insert the implant. The gum tissue is then repositioned with stitches, and you are given time to heal.  We will ensure proper healing with medication, dietary and physical recommendations.

​

Over the next several months, the implant will fuse with the surrounding jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable base for the replacement tooth. Once the implant is fully integrated, you will return to our office to have a custom-made crown or bridge or other prosthesis attached to the implant.

 

Dental implants are a popular choice for many patients because they are durable, long-lasting, and look and feel like natural teeth. They also provide many benefits, such as improved chewing and speaking abilities, improved self-confidence, and better overall oral health. However, they do require a commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure their longevity

​

Tooth Extraction with Socket Preservation Bone Graft

​

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is typically done when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, or when it is causing issues with the surrounding teeth or gums.

​

After a tooth is extracted, the socket (the area in the jawbone where the tooth was located) is left exposed. Without proper care, the socket can begin to deteriorate and cause issues with the surrounding teeth and gums.  You may lose up to 50 - 75% of the original bone volume over the several months following tooth removal. Socket preservation is a procedure that helps to prevent this deterioration by filling the socket with a material that supports the surrounding bone and tissue.

​

The socket preservation procedure involves placing a bone graft material into the socket after the tooth is extracted. The bone graft material is typically made from a human donor or synthetic material. The material is then covered with a protective membrane and the gum tissue is sutured closed.

​

The bone graft material helps to promote the growth of new bone tissue in the socket, which helps to preserve the shape and density of the surrounding bone. This can prevent issues with the surrounding teeth and gums, such as bone loss or gum recession.  This is an essential step in preparing an area to receive a dental implant once initial healing is complete.

​

After the socket preservation procedure, patients are typically given specific instructions for post-operative care, such as avoiding certain foods and activities for a period of time. They may also be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to help manage any discomfort or prevent infection.

​

Overall, socket preservation is an important procedure for patients who have undergone a tooth extraction. By preserving the socket, patients can help prevent future dental issues and maintain good oral health.

​

Full Arch Implant Reconstruction (Hybrid & All on 4)

​

A hybrid prosthesis, sometimes referred to as an All on 4, is a type of dental restoration that combines the benefits of dental implants and dental bridges. It is typically recommended for patients who have lost several or all of their teeth in one or both jaws.  This prosthesis may be supported by four implants (all on 4) to six implants, depending on your individual needs.

​

The hybrid prosthesis is made up of a metal framework that is attached to dental implants. The implants serve as the anchor points for the prosthesis and provide a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. The prosthesis itself consists of a fixed bridge that is attached to the metal framework, which spans across the area of the missing teeth.

The replacement teeth in a hybrid prosthesis are usually made of high-quality ceramic or porcelain materials. They are custom-designed to match the patient's natural teeth in color, shape, and size, providing a seamless, natural-looking smile.

​

One of the primary benefits of a hybrid prosthesis is that it offers excellent stability and durability. Unlike removable dentures, which can shift or slip out of place, the hybrid prosthesis is securely anchored in the mouth and does not require any adhesives to hold it in place. This can significantly improve a patient's ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.

​

Additionally, because the hybrid prosthesis is fixed in place, it does not need to be removed for cleaning. Patients can care for their hybrid prosthesis just like they would their natural teeth, brushing and flossing regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.

​

Overall, a hybrid prosthesis can be an excellent option for patients who have lost several or all of their teeth and are looking for a long-lasting, natural-looking dental restoration.

​

Bone Graft - Implant Site Development

 

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone tissue to the jawbone in order to create a stable foundation for dental implant placement. When a patient has lost a tooth or multiple teeth, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time, leading to a lack of adequate bone density to support a dental implant. Bone grafting can help restore the necessary bone density and provide a stable base for the implant.

​

Before the bone grafting procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation, which may include x-rays and other diagnostic tests. The patient's medical history will also be reviewed to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

​

During the procedure, we will create a small incision in the gums and carefully place the bone graft material in the affected area. The bone graft material may come from a variety of sources, including the patient's own bone tissue, donor bone tissue, or synthetic materials. We will then close the incision and place a protective covering over the area to promote healing.

​

After the bone grafting procedure, the patient will need to follow specific instructions for caring for the surgical site, including avoiding certain foods and activities for a period of time. The healing process can take several months, during which time the bone graft will fuse with the existing jawbone to create a stable foundation for the dental implant.

​

Once the bone graft has fully healed, the patient can undergo dental implant placement. The implant is placed directly into the newly grafted bone, providing a secure and long-lasting replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.

​

Overall, bone grafting is an important step in the dental implant process for patients who have experienced jawbone deterioration due to tooth loss. With proper care and attention, bone grafting can provide a strong foundation for successful dental implant placement and improved oral health.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Sinus Augmentation (Lift)

​

A sinus lift is a dental procedure that is performed when a patient does not have enough bone in the upper jaw to support a dental implant. This can occur due to bone loss as a result of gum disease, or because the sinuses are too close to the jawbone.

​

During a sinus lift procedure, we will make a small incision in the gum tissue above the jawbone in the area where the implant will be placed. Then, they will create a small opening in the bone to access the sinus cavity. We will then lift the sinus membrane upward and fill the area beneath it with a bone graft material. This bone graft material can come from a variety of sources, such as donor bone tissue, or synthetic material. The bone graft material helps to support the sinus membrane and stimulate the growth of new bone tissue.

​

Once the bone graft material has been placed, we will close the incision with stitches and allow the area to heal. It can take several months for the bone graft material to fully fuse with the surrounding bone tissue and create a strong base for the dental implant.

​

After the healing process is complete, you will return to the dentist to have the dental implant placed in the area where the sinus lift was performed.