Once the appropriate treatment plan has been determine, your surgical specialist places the implants in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Depending on your needs and the recommendation of your surgical specialist for your comfort, the procedure can be performed under local anesthetic, a light sedation, or general anesthesia.

For the implants to bond properly to the bone, they must remain undisturbed for a period of several weeks to several months. During this time the bone will remodel around the implants and attach directly to them. Depending on the specific implant system used, the doctor may attach a small cap to the implant that can be seen through the gum tissues while the bone is bonding to the implant(s).

Your dentist can either adjust your existing denture or bridge, or create temporary replacement teeth for you to wear during the bone remodeling period. In some cases a provisional crown (temporary replacement crown) can be placed immediately. The important thing is that you will not have to go without your teeth.

Implant Site Preparation

In areas where teeth have been missing for many years, there may not be adequate bone available to ensure that the implants are stabilized. Fortunately, techniques have been developed, which allow the surgical specialist to replace the missing bone and provide the necessary support for facial structures and implants. Dental implant placement then preserves this bone so that it will not melt away again. For more information about bone augmentation click here.

Immediate Implants

In certain situations, your surgical specialist may recommend a special type of implant procedure, where the implant is placed immediately following the surgical removal of a tooth. With this type of "immediate implant" the implant and the replacement tooth can actually be placed at the same time so there is no waiting for your new crown. There are a number of advantages to this approach particularly when replacing a front tooth where esthetics would be a major consideration.