Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the endentulous area of the mouth. Titanium is used as it integrates well into the bone and acts similar to the root of the tooth.

Dental implants may be used to replace one or more teeth, or to support dentures; enhancing self-esteem and quality of life.

Implants will take 2 to 4 months from implantation to crown placement

  1. Your first visit will be a consultation with the Oral Surgeon in which X-rays may be taken to determine the density of bone, whether or not bone grafting will be required, and candidacy for the procedure. If grafting is required, this may be done before the implant is placed.
  2. Once determined, you will be booked for an appointment in which the implant will be placed usually under local anaesthetic. Your next appointment will be booked in 1 to 2 weeks at which time the Oral Surgeon will check on healing.
  3. An evaluation of the implant area will take place, to ensure that the healing process is going well.  An X-ray may be taken if necessary. 
  4. During the final stage of the dental implant process, your Dentist will take impressions to fabricate a crown to fit on top of the implant. Here, the healing cap will be removed, an impression coping (a metal collar on which the prosthetic crown will be made) is placed, and impressions taken to be sent to the lab for professional fabrication of the crown(s), bridge or denture. At this time, the shade of the teeth is determined, the healing cap is replaced, and you are only approximately 2 weeks away from permanent placement.
  5. This is your final half hour appointment. Your Dentist will remove the healing cap, and the porcelain fused to metal crown will be cemented into place. There are no specific cleaning instructions, only normal daily hygiene, including brushing, flossing and rinsing are required.

Contact 404 Dental Office today for information on creating your beautiful smile with dental implants.

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