SERVICES
Implant Surgery
Dr. Gillman has years of experience in dental implantology and plans with precision each case from the simplest to the most advanced in order to achieve optimum results
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants function as artificial tooth roots, usually in the form of small titanium screws, that are inserted into the jaw bone. Following implant placement, over time, the bone heals, growing around and fusing with the titanium implant, and this creates a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants can support replacements for one or more missing teeth, including bridges, crowns or dentures and provide a realistically functioning and aesthetic alternative to natural teeth that have been lost to an injury, gum disease, tooth decay, or infection.
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What Does The Dental Implant Procedure Involve?
The first step in the procedure involves evaluating the remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone. In addition to a physical examination a CT scan will be used to determine the position of the future implant relative to nerves and blood vessels. The CT will also determine whether there is enough healthy jawbone to maintain the implant or whether additional bone needs to be grafted into the jaw in order to further support the implant thus improving long term stability.
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The implant procedure is most often carried out under local anaesthetic and takes between 20 minutes to one hour depending on the complexity of the case.
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Typically three to six months after the initial implant procedure, which is the time it takes for the jaw bone to grow around and bond with the implant, a second shorter procedure will be carried out in which a small incision is made in the gum over the implant to allow the future crown to be attached onto the implant.
What Should I Expect Before and After the Procedure?
In the weeks prior to treatment you will be required to visit the dental hygienist. You will be asked to use an antiseptic mouthwash for one to two days before treatment. It is advised to eat a light meal before the procedure as you will be unable to eat anything for one to two hours afterwards. Following the implant procedure expect there to be some pain and swelling local to the area of the implant. You may experience some short term difficulty eating or chewing on the site of the implant and it is advised not to have hot or hard foods on the day of the procedure . Starting on the day following the procedure you will be able to start brushing around the site of the implant using a soft toothbrush.
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In a very small percentage of cases the implant doesn’t successfully fuse to the jawbone and may need to be removed. After a period of letting the bone heal, the procedure may be repeated.
