Dental Implants

We are able to provide the most contemporary form of tooth replacement. Dental implants are small titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. The process of replacing missing teeth is generally completed in the following stages:

Stage One

The initial stage of your procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis at our surgery center. It involves the surgical placement of your dental implants. During the procedure, you will receive either local anesthesia or a light intravenous anesthetic. The length of the procedure is usually one to two hours and you are able to go home in the company of a responsible adult the same day. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within two to three days. Temporary tooth replacements (partial denture or “flippers”) are usually worn while the implant is healing.

Stage Two

Over a period of four to six months, dental implants undergo a process called “osseointegration.” This process involves a fusing of the implant to the bone. The second stage of surgery is then performed to expose the underlying implant and attach small metal posts which protrude from the gums and allow the dentist to attach artificial teeth. This second stage procedure is usually a minor surgical procedure and can be performed with a local anesthetic. You should be able to return to normal activities immediately. After four to six weeks of tissue healing, the final artificial teeth may be fabricated.

Stage Three

This stage includes fabrication of replacement teeth, which attach to your implants. This procedure, which will be performed by our dentists, will start approximately one month following your stage two surgical procedure. The time frame will vary according to your healing response, the number of teeth being replaced, and the technique selected by the dentist. On average, approximately four to six weeks is required for full arch replacement of missing teeth. This process requires several appointments with your dentist.

Teeth In A Day

“Teeth In A Day”, “Teeth By Tonight!”, even “Teeth In An Hour” are all the pitch phrases used by advertising dentists to describe a technology developed by NobelBiocare®. This is a reputable international implant manufacturer who has developed and promoted a mechanism whereby healthy patients who meet specific criteria can undergo placement of dental implants followed by placement of a temporary prosthesis, all in the same day. Many advertising dentists would have you believe that this can be done for every patient. It certainly cannot, nor is it the best option for many patients.