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Let’s talk about how the process works
We will break down some procedures so we are on the same page
Dental Implants - how they work
Dental implants are the strongest and best way to replace a missing tooth, but it is a process. Like all good things, it takes some time. Let’s talk about why.
Breakdown
There are several parts to an implant
An implant is a replacement tooth, but it takes several appointments. While the actual implant (the foundation of the future tooth) is carefully made into stock sizes, everything else about the process is 100% custom made - that takes time.
Implants have 3 parts
Our office makes the top two parts
Depending on the angle of the implant (nothing is every truly parallel) there is a connecting piece between the implant and the tooth. This “abutment” is always (at our office at least) a custom made piece of titanium that connects the other parts.
Healing
It’s worth the wait
Once the implant is placed into the bone, below the gums, it needs to heal for a coupel months. The bone will actually grow into the threads of the implant - very strong! If we do not wait, the bone will not adhere to the surface of the implant and it can fall out.
The Gums
We have to be careful of the gums
Gums are great, but they can recede (or go away) if we are not careful. Rushing into the process can often create a disappointing outcome! To keep the gums healthy (think about us propping them up until the tooth is ready) a nub will be screwed into the implant to hold the space.
This will be on the implant until it is healed. This can be between 3-6 months.
Finally!
It has been about 4 months
Once the implant is totally healed, the final tooth can be made. It requires 2 appintments.
1 - to scan the area and get our impression
2 - place the tooth
3 - eat!
Are implants worth it?
Nothing beats the teeth you grew yourself, but an implant is the strongest way to replace teeth.
Fun fact - most humans chew with the same strength from 16 years old on, to the end of their life - the teeth rarely hold up that long. This is the best way to keep eating the things you love.
It is a process, but all good things are.
Since there are three parts to the implant that can make it a bit interesting when it comes to billing. The foundation, or the actual implant itself is one specific portion of the procedure. You may have it placed in our office or a different office, and that cost depends on where it is going - think about it like a custom house. Sure, you can buy a stock house, but the location you want it can make things more complicated.
Then once that is healed (think 1-3 months) we are ready to place a tooth on top of the foundation. This is the next (also separate) procedure we do at our office. We need to find the angles of the implant in relation to the other teeth. Then a custom tooth is made specifcally for you. Technically, this is made with two componets. The first componet is the actual tooth portion you see above the gums - or the crown. The second componet is how you connect the implant to the tooth part. This is called the abutment. This is a custom milled piece of titanium that is specifcally made for your tooth - it is not a stock item, meaning it is fabricated item for each individual. A quick internet search will tell you there are stock options - why not use that and charge less? When they break - which they alwasy do - it will cost you more - not worth it!
Once the implant is healed, its about a 2 week turnaround to get the tooth in your mouth. We take a digital scan of your mouth and tooth, choose a color then send everything to our laboratory. We then work closely with the lab to ensure we like the materials they use and follow up with their final reports. The final seating appointment is around 20 min! We will make sure it fits, looks good, and will function then you’re off to something fun (with whatever food you want)!
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