Dental implants have become very popular in recent years. If you’ve already done some research on dental implants you might have found out that there are various manufacturers and different types of dental implants available today. You might wonder why there are so many options out there. Everyone’s mouth and clinical case is unique, one size does not fit all. Don’t let this confuse you though, your dentist will know your exact needs and select the right dental implant for your specific treatment. I will give you a basic question and answer guide as to what you might expect if you ever need or are interested in dental implants.

Are dental implants for everyone?

In order for dental implants to be placed, being in good overall health is essential. Your dentist will look at the state of your oral health and ensure that there is no active periodontal disease present and then take x-rays to verify that there is enough bone to support a dental implant.

How long will it take?

This can vary according to how much bone there is to work with. Total treatment time can be as short as three months or up to nine months if bone grafts or additional bone grafts are necessary to create more bone tissue. It takes about three to six months for your body’s own bone tissue to grow and integrate into a bone graft.

How exactly is it done?

The actual surgical placement of the dental implant can only take place when there is adequate bone tissue to support it. Once it is in the bone, it can take anywhere from three to six months for your bone tissue to grow into all of the micro-pores of the implant’s surface and create a permanent bond.  A temporary crown can be worn during this healing process. Once the bone has healed around the implant a permanent crown can be cemented to the implant and the treatment will be complete. For some cases an additional implant piece called an abutment (the point where two objects meet) will be placed on top of the implant and then the crown will be cemented onto the abutment.

Who will do the actual work?

If your dentist does not perform the surgical placement of dental implants then they will refer you to a periodontist like Dr. Silvera. Periodontists’ specific area of expertise is the gum and bone structures which support your teeth; therefore they are the ideal specialists to surgically place dental implants. Once the implant is surgically placed, your general dentist will create a permanent crown which is then cemented to the dental implant. This is a team effort between you, your dentist, and periodontist.

How do I take care of my dental implant?

Regular brushing and flossing still apply, care for your dental implant exactly as you would care for the rest of your natural teeth. Smile confidently knowing you have a permanent and natural looking tooth for life!

You can find a lot of information about dental implants online. This guide and others like it are great, but so is being able to ask an expert! If you have any questions regarding dental implants please feel free to leave a reply here or send Dr. Silvera an email using the contact form to the right.