implants

start-to-finish dental implants, all under one roof

Dental implants closely imitate the look and feel of natural teeth and can be used to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. While their use dates back to ancient Egypt, modern implantology took a giant leap forward in the 1980’s with the increased success of the titanium cylinder.

Many dentists now offer implants – although patients may need to see other professionals for one or more parts of the procedure – such as 3D x-rays or oral surgery. Dr. Harding’s advanced training enables him to perform most dental implant procedures from start-to-finish in our offices.

Advertising that claims to offer “teeth in a day” is misleading, as there are a number of steps involved in successful dental implants. The time frame to complete the implant depends on many factors. The process can last up several months or up to a year or more, especially if you need bone grafting or other preliminary procedures.

• Through an initial exam, we will review your medical and dental histories, take X-rays and create impressions of your teeth and gums so that models can be made. We will also do a CT scan of your mouth so we can see assess the quality and quantity of bone beneath the gum line ideal implant position.  
• Depending on the number of teeth we are replacing, the x-ray diagnosis, the results we are trying to achieve, and your budget, we develop an implant treatment plan. Each case is highly individualized.
• As needed, any tooth structure that cannot be saved is removed.
• Next, the dental implants are placed using local anesthetic. Depending on the location in the mouth, we may do temporary crowns while the implant area heals. During this time the implant fuses with the bone.
• Once the implant area is fully healed, we create a permanent restoration, such as a porcelain crown on top of the implant. We can place multiple restorations on a single implant.

Like all dental work, dental implants need to be maintained through professionally cleanings, regular exams and daily brushing and flossing.

Read more about dental implants.

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