Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is an innovative procedure that was developed for the replacement of missing or damaged teeth. While there are many dental treatments available for tooth replacement today, few offer stable, long lasting results that look and function much like natural teeth. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to those patients currently suffering with missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures or unstable bridgework.

Dental implant surgery is different for each patient; your treatment plan will depend on the type of implant(s) you are receiving as well as the condition of your jawbone. Most implant surgeries occur in stages and involve several procedures.

The Procedure

Dental implant surgery will begin with a dental consultation. Your dentist will take a look at the area being treated, assess the health of your remaining teeth and take a look at the condition of your jawbone. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and require a certain amount of surrounding bone for proper placement. Those patients who do not have enough surrounding bone may require bone grafting or bone augmentation prior to implant placement.

Once the jawbone is properly prepped (this can require one or more treatments over a certain period of time), your dentist will then place the implant. This treatment begins with an incision in the gum line, followed by use of a specialized drill to create a space in the bone for implantation. The implant is then placed; a specialized wrench is used to secure the implant in the bone.

Over a period of time, the bone will heal around the implant, creating a secure base or root for the dental prosthetic. Once secure, patients will return to the dental office where the dental prosthetic (a crown, bridge, partial or full set of dentures) will then be placed, giving patients the look and feel of a naturally beautiful smile.

Risks

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery does come with some risk, however problems are rare, minor and easily treatable. Discuss these and other concerns with your dentist prior to treatment. Risks include:

- Infection at the site of the implant
- Damage or injury to surrounding teeth or blood vessels
- Sinus problems
- Nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling or pain in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin

If you are looking to replace broken, damaged or missing teeth, dental implant surgery may be the solution for you. Find out more about this innovative procedure today.