Dental implant surgery is an innovative treatment that patients can undergo in order to enhance an imperfect smile. While many tooth replacement treatments are available to patients today, few offer the long lasting results men and women experience with implants. Dental implant surgery offers patients a fantastic alternative to suffering with unstable bridgework, ill-fitting dentures or broken, damaged or missing teeth. Implant placement is different for each patient—your treatment plan will depend on several individual factors including the overall state of your oral health as well as the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw. A consultation with your dentist will help to determine which implant treatment is right for you.

The Procedure

Before beginning treatment, your dentist will assess the treatment area in order to determine the overall health of your remaining teeth as well as the condition of your jawbone. In order for patients to experience success, implantation requires a certain quantity and quality of bone to be present in the jaw—a factor which will determine implant stabilization. Those patients who do not have enough bone present in their jaw may require bone augmentation or bone grafting treatments prior to dental implant surgery. If this is necessary, all of your options will be discussed. Once a patient is deemed fit for implantation, the treatment can begin. Dental implant surgery involves the use of specialized tools to create a space for secure placement of the implant into the jawbone. First, a specialized drill creates small holes in the jaw where the implant is then placed. The implant is then ‘screwed’ in using a specialized wrench until only the head or abutment remains visible above the gum line.

Once the implant is placed, the surrounding bone will begin to fuse with the implant, creating a stabilized base for a dental prosthetic. Once fully healed (depending on the implant being placed this can happen immediately, or can take three to nine months), the dental prosthetic (a bridge, crown, partial or full denture set) can be placed, providing patients with the look and feel of natural teeth. If you are one of the many men and women looking to achieve a naturally beautiful smile, dental implant surgery may be the treatment for you.