Implant 101 Are you thinking about getting a dental implant?

They are a great, permanent alternative to replace a missing tooth, and they are not nearly as invasive as you may think. The chances of failure are small. Some factors that could cause an implant to fail include infection, poor oral hygiene, excessive occlusion load, and general health status.

Implants are a great option because they help you return to normal function with eating, speaking, and aesthetics. Not to mention we have come a long way from the days of the ancient Mayans when seashells were reshaped, contoured, and used as implants/tooth replacements. Nowadays, small titanium tooth form posts are used and put in your jawbone. After-which a crown can then be placed and anchored on it to achieve the natural tooth look and feel.

Implants can sometimes be placed immediately after a tooth extraction or in an already existing space. The surgical placement of an implant can often be done in-office, with one procedure. Although sometimes it does take two. Implant placement can be done, under local anesthesia, deep sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your needs.

After the implant placement, It can take up to 6 months for your bone and the implant to integrate. After-which, you can have a crown placed on top by your dentist. The healing/integration process allows the implant to bond properly into your bone. During this time, you may have a denture temporarily so that you aren’t living everyday life with an open space in your mouth.

Dr. Bureau will do one final check once you are fully healed, to make sure you are ready for a crown placement from your dentist. Your smile and function will then be fully restored, and the implant process is complete!