Implant Services
Implant Site Development
When a tooth needs to be removed, immediate implant placement is not always an option. Various bone grafting procedures can be performed at the time of extraction to help increase the volume of bone to facilitate the placement of a dental implant at a later date. It is usually recommended you wait 3-4 months following bone grafting to have a dental implant placed.
Computer Enhanced Treatment Planning
We have special 3D software that allows us to evaluate your bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location for the best possible placement of your dental implant. This also allows us to work closely and smoothly with your restorative dentist to ensure an ideal result for your dental implant.
Ridge Augmentation
When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can shrink, making implant placement difficult due to a lack of bone. Ridge augmentation is a procedure used to regrow your jawbone to allow for optimal placement of a dental implant. There are various bone graft materials that can be used, and a barrier membrane is placed to help allow your body to regrow the bone that had been lost. It is often recommended you wait 4-6 months following ridge augmentation to proceed with dental implant placement.
Sinus Lift Augmentation
After the loss of upper back teeth, your sinuses may enlarge in size. Before implants can be placed in these areas, a sinus lift procedure is needed. Depending on the amount of lift needed, this procedure can be completed at the time of implant placement. In cases where more extensive bone grafting is needed, a referral will be made to an oral surgeon to have the sinus lift completed. Sinus grafts can require 6-9 months of healing prior to implant placement.
Soft Tissue Augmentation around Dental Implants
It is well documented that thick, healthy gum tissue is critical in maintaining the health of dental implants. Implants with thin tissue are more prone to plaque accumulation, bleeding and future bone loss. The soft tissue will be evaluated at the time of implant placement, and recommendations will be made if additional gum grafting will benefit the implant long-term. Gum grafts are typically taken from the roof of the patients mouth, but there are other donor materials that might be recommended.
Implant Maintenance
Implants are susceptible to disease just like teeth. Once the final restoration is completed, it is critical that you are placed on a regular maintenance schedule so that we can monitor the health of your implant. We use special instruments designed specifically for implants to ensure proper cleaning. These visits will also allow us to evaluate your homecare, and our hygienists will be able to make recommendations on products to help ensure you are keeping your implants clean and healthy. The frequency of these visits will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and we will work with your general dentist in the scheduling of these appointments.
