Understanding Procedures:Implants

Implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth. It is the closest thing you could ever get to having your natural tooth back. Implant crowns are usually placed and restored in a team approach between an oral surgeon, a general dentist, and a dental laboratory. There are typically 3 parts to a dental implant: the implant itself, the crown, and a connector between the implant and the crown. The oral surgeon is responsible for the implant portion and the general dentist will take care of the connector and the crown.

The first step to having an implant is to complete an initial evaluation which includes a comprehensive exam, x-rays and consultations with members of the implant team. At that point, if you are identified as a good implant candidate, the process will begin. At the first appointment, the oral surgeon will place the implant into the jawbone in order to act as an artificial root. This step is a relatively painless procedure that can be done with either local anesthetics similar to a typical dental procedure like a filling or with IV sedation where you are put to sleep. Following this step, there will be a period of time (typically 4-6 months) to allow for healing and for the bone to fuse to the implant.

After that initial period of time, during a second visit, the oral surgeon will evaluate the healing process and make sure that the end of the implant is accessible for the general dentist. At this point, the general dentist becomes involved and will oversee the rest of your visits. At your third appointment, the general dentist will take impressions so that the correct size or possibly even a customized connector can be selected for you. The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where a model of your teeth will be made. The lab will place the connector into the model and then will make a customized crown to replace your tooth. The lab then returns the connector and the crown back to the general dentist. At the final visit, the general dentist will place the connector onto the implant and then attach the crown.

At this point, the implant crown is finished and you can use this tooth as you would any of your other teeth. It is still important that you brush and floss around the implant in order to keep the area clean. Your implant team will periodically have you come back so that they can monitor the implant and make sure that it remains in excellent condition.