A dental implant is an artificial replacement of your original tooth root, which looks similar to a screw and is made of titanium or titanium alloys. The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone and, once placed, the jawbone will naturally close around the implant and form a secure bond from which crowns can be placed and supported. Dental implants are made up of three elements: the titanium screw-like implant, an abutment, and a crown. An abutment is a connecting device which is attached to the implant and then used to support the crown. Finally, crowns are custom designed to look exactly like your original healthy tooth. The end result of a dental implant is a tooth that looks, functions, and feels exactly like your natural tooth.

A bone graft is sometimes a necessary surgical procedure required prior to getting a dental implant. For a bone graft procedure, the dentist will use either a processed form of bone material or your own bone to recreate the structure of your jawbone. Once the bone graft procedure is completed, it usually takes a few months for the newly placed material and the natural jawbone to bond together; however, the time it actually takes to heal depends on your body’s natural healing process.

The surgery for dental implants is one of the most common and safest dental procedures. Most people that get implants do not experience any complications. Sedation is available, however many patients are able to have the surgery while being awake under local anaesthesia. Following the procedure, you will need to follow our aftercare instructions and use caution as the anaesthetic wears off, as you would in any other dental procedure. The anaesthesia that is used during the surgery will numb any possible discomfort.

The local anaesthesia used during surgery will numb the area being worked on; however, you will most likely experience discomfort for a few days after surgery. Over the counter pain medication is usually all that is needed to alleviate any discomfort.

There are many factors that go into placing a dental implant that can change the price of the procedure for each individual. For example, whether you need a tooth extraction or a bone graft will need to be considered. Also, the cost for the implant placement and the cost of the implant itself will be taken into account as well as the price of the crown or the type of abutment used.

It is possible to get an implant the same day as a tooth extraction but some of the time, the gums need a few months to heal first. However, we caution you not to wait too long after an extraction to get your dental implant, as doing so could cause bone loss which would make the process of getting an implant even more complicated for you.

The design and science behind dental implants have been thoroughly worked on to create durability that can last a long time. For this reason, they are currently the most advanced option available in dentistry to replace missing teeth. They outlast bridges, dentures, and standard crowns. Generally, a dental implant can last up to 25 years and other options for missing teeth need to be replaced every 5-15 years.

We use anesthesia to numb the pain. Sedation is available; however, local anesthesia is typically all that is necessary to keep you comfortable. The procedure itself is generally simple and painless and normally only takes about an hour for the placement of a single tooth implant. After numbing the jawbone and surrounding areas, the dentist will drill and place the implant into your jawbone. Next, the abutment will be placed on the implant as a connector, and a crown will be placed over the abutment to form your new artificial tooth.

We recommend these steps prior to getting a dental implant:

- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to help alleviate germs.

- Take any prescribed pre-op antibiotics that may be required.

- If you are having IV sedation, make sure to fast after midnight the night before your procedure.

- If you are not being sedated, eat a good meal before your procedure.

- Arrange transportation to take you home following your appointment.

- Plan on taking the rest of the day off to rest after the surgery.

It may be of some comfort to you to know that getting a tooth extracted is actually harder than getting a tooth implant. Most patients do very well under local anesthetic, which means that the patient is awake. Also, the implant is being placed into bone which means there are not a lot of nerves present in the area to cause excess pain.

The actual process toward getting a dental implant can take longer than the procedure itself. Generally, it takes about an hour for the actual placement of the implant and surgery. However, if you require a bone graft or any other treatment for your teeth and gums, there may be a process of several months for procedures and healing. So the time is determined by the extent of work needed and also by what specific type of implant you may be receiving.

It typically takes about 4-6 months for the jawbone to heal and bond together with a new dental implant.

Immediately after the procedure, we have recommendations that we will give you for how to care for the surgical area and how to keep it clean. Following your full recovery, you will be able to take care of your dental implant just as you would any of your other teeth. Aesthetically, a dental implant is going to give you a more beautiful and healthy smile again! And functionally, a dental implant is going to be durable and able to be used exactly the same as your original natural tooth, and taking care of it will be the same as normal dental hygiene and dietary habits.