Dental Implants
What are dental implants ?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints.
Surgical Placement of Dental Implants
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
When you arrive for your surgery, you may take an antibiotic and a premedication for any pre-existing health condition. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. For patients that are anxious we can provide sedation.
The surgical procedure to place an implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. Dr. Kucey makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.
Placing a dental implant is very technically involved – you are placing a foreign object into your body, much like having a joint replacement. Dr. Kucey is a specialist and has been placing dental implants for over 30 years. At South Edmonton Prosthodontics we understand the importance of placing the implant in the right position so that you can get the best result when restoring your implant.
What if I don't have enough bone ?
During your consultation and examination we take a 3D x-ray to identify whether you will require a bone graft. We have many different types of bone grafting material available in our office and will discuss this with your prior to your surgery.
How long does it take to heal ?
After an implant is placed, the bone must heal and grow around your implants, a process called osseointegration. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. The length of time varies from person to person, depending on the quality and quantity of bone during surgery; usually 3-6 months. After adequate healing you implant can be restored with a crown, bridge, or attached to a denture.
Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth and restore function without having to do treatment on your adjacent teeth. If you would like a consultation to see if you are a candidate for implant placement, contact our office today!
What is the cost of Dental Implants ?
The cost for dental implants varies and depends on each unique situation. Our dental implant starts at $3000 or $60 per month only. We offer direct billing & financing options. Click Book Now or Call 780-462-4091 to book a free consultation today !!!
