To determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants, you must have enough healthy bone.

Prior to implant placement, you may require bone augmentation procedures such as a bone graft if your jawbone has decreased in size

Lakeridge Dental may refer you to receive a special three dimensional cone beam CT scan to see how much bone is available and properly plan the implant site.

Once your medical history is cleared, the dentist will discuss the procedure with you. The surgery can be completed in one or two stages:

• Surgery stage 1:
  • The dental implant (titanium) will be surgically placed into your bone and the overlying gum is sutured over. This will leave good time for the implant to heal and integrate in the bone called “osseointegration”. This can take a few months to heal
• Surgery stage 2:
  • Once healing has occurred, an abutment acts as a bridge between the implant and the prosthetic tooth that you will see in the mouth.
• A prosthetic tooth is designed and attached to the abutment once the gums have a healthy shape

Caring For Your Dental Implants

Although implants cannot get cavities, they can get gum disease and fail. Peri-implantitis is the new gum disease! It is important to maintain your implants the same way you maintain your teeth with excellent home care and regular visits to the dentist.

Like natural teeth, implants need special cleaning with a toothbrush and floss. Your dentist and hygienist will show you how.

Checkups on your implants should be scheduled every year in addition to regular hygiene.

Implants can cost more than other tooth replacement options but can last a lifetime if they are properly maintained.

Please see Single and Multiple Dental Implants for more information.