DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental Implants are by far the best way to replace lost or missing teeth.  Dental Implants can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth.  Implants allow the individual to chew and function without the discomfort and irritability of dentures or a dental bridge.  Dental implants feel just like your own teeth and you can chew with them the same way.  Also cleaning around the implant is much like cleaning your own teeth.  No special precautions or steps are necessary. 

Sometimes a dental implant is placed immediately after a hopeless tooth is taken out.  Sometimes, it’s necessary for the area to heal before an implant is placed.  In certain cases a “bone graft” is necessary to improve the outcome of implant therapy.

Implant therapy goes in 2 stages.  During the first stage the appropriately sized (both lengthwise and width-wise) implant is placed.  This is considered the “implant surgery” phase.  Implant surgery is performed with local anesthetic.  Most often a 2-4 months period is necessary for the dental implant to become fully healed. Stage 2 of implant therapy involves the fabrication of the crown for the implant.  This stage is very similar to fabrication of a crown for a regular tooth. In certain cases and with careful planning, the dental implant(s) and the crowns for the implants can be all done at the same time. 

People often associate implant surgery as being difficult with a long healing time.  Such is not the case.  Almost everyone is amazed of how smooth and trouble-free the surgery is.  Most of the implant surgeries are performed at our office.  However, in certain cases we will refer you to a specialist for placement of the dental implant. 

To schedule your complementary implant consultation call Dr. Uthoff of Bayfield Family Dentistry at (970)880-0688