Dental Implants
Anderson Dental Group places dental implants in office which helps patients to minimize appointments and reduce cost. Our implant surgeries are fully guided using state-of-the-art 3-D imaging technology to ensure precise and safe placement.
How do implants work?
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone. One or more missing teeth can be replaced by attaching a crown, a fixed bridge, or a full set of dentures to the implants. The implant material, which is typically pure titanium, is extremely biocompatible, and the bone treats the implant just as if it were made of bone. The bone cells attach to the implant in a process called osseointegration. After an initial healing period, during which the implant is left undisturbed underneath the gum tissue, it is uncovered and connected to a small post, which will serve as the foundation for the tooth or teeth that the implant will support.
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
Most healthy nonsmokers who practice good oral hygiene and can safely undergo minor dental surgery are good candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will assess the potential implant site to determine whether there is sufficient bone volume and gum thickness to allow placement of an implant. We begin by providing a clinical examination that involves inspection, palpation, and gentle probing of the potential implant site and adjacent teeth. Our state-of-the-art 3D imaging allows us to verify adequate bone and precise placement for implants—unlike older, 2D imaging, which isn’t capable of providing this level of detail.
Will I need to see a specialist for implant placement?
In most cases, we can place implants using local anesthesia in our office. In more complex cases, we may recommend that the surgical phase be performed while you are under general anesthesia in a specialist’s office or in hospital environment.
How long before I have full use of my dental implants?
In most cases, a healing period of 2–6 months is needed before teeth can be attached to the implants. We can usually supply patients with a temporary appliance to provide function and aesthetics during this time. After initial placement, regular follow-up visits are necessary to ensure healing is progressing as it should. After the teeth are attached to the implants, check-ups are recommended every 6–12 months so we can inspect the implants to ensure that the supporting gum and bone remains healthy.
How do implants compare to dentures?
Implants are a more comfortable and secure alternative to traditional dentures or bridges.