Dental Implant Treatment

If you feel that a dental implant treatment is the right thing for you, then learn more about what the treatment is all about (Credit: Greefus Groinks)

If you feel that a dental implant treatment is the right thing for you, then learn more about what the treatment is all about.

A dental implant procedure is a team effort between your dentist, periodontist and you. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Your treatment plan will be tailored to the type of dental implant that you’ve chosen and your specific condition.

The treatment options include replacing a single tooth; several teeth; or all your teeth. If you are planning to replace a single tooth, a dental implant can replace the lost natural tooth and its root. Several missing teeth can be replaced by implant-supported bridges and all your missing teeth can be replaced by an implant-supported full bridge or full dentures.

A key to a successful dental implant treatment is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.

Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bone defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge.

After the treatment, your periodontist and dentist will develop the best care plan for you. You will be required to go for periodic follow-up visits to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. To keep your dental implants clean and plaque-free, you will need to brush and floss religiously.