A Step by Step Guide to Dental Implants

Dentures and dental bridges were the treatment of choice for over a century to replace missing or failing teeth. Today, though, dental implants have become the gold standard. Strong, secure, and durable, dental implants can stop and even reverse jawbone loss. One dental implant can replace a single tooth, while 4 to 8 implants can support a full arch of fixed, high quality replacement teeth that never leave your mouth. A removable implant supported denture may be be more affordable and prove easier to clean and maintain. Our team helps you decide which Implant supported solution is best for your circumstances.

Our first step is to conduct a detailed analysis of your teeth, soft tissues, and bone structure, combining our clinical knowledge with digital x-rays and 3D scans. This will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, and help us spot issues that need to be addressed before we begin. We will then create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals and budget.

Dental implants must be placed in a mouth that is clean and healthy. Therefore, we must fix any existing issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. We will then extract your failing teeth under a local anesthetic. Most often we  place a temporary denture so that you are never without teeth. In some cases we may remove teeth, and place implants with a implant supported immediate fixed bridge in the same day. This is sometimes called “Instant Teeth” or Immediate Implant Solution.

Some patients do not have enough bone to support dental implants. If this is the case, we will perform a simple or complex bone grafting . You will need to heal for 3 to 4 months to allow the new bone to mature before we proceed with dental implants.  In some cases of advanced bone loss in the upper jaw a Sinus lift or Sinus Augmentation may be appropriate.

Dental implant placement is considered a minor oral surgery. We will thoroughly numb your mouth with local anesthetic, cut a small flap in your gums, and then use special internally irrigated drills  to open a precise, tiny hole in the bone. We will screw the small, biocompatible titanium implant into the hole, top it with a cover screw or a healing cap, and close your gums.

If you need more than one dental implant, we can place them all during the same surgery. You will then wear your temporary denture for several weeks to allow the implant to fuse with your jawbone.

After the implant fuses with the jawbone, you will return to our office. We will replace the cover screw or healing cap with an abutment, and then carefully secure your crown, bridge, or other restoration.

If you need replacements for all of the teeth on your upper or lower arch, instant teeth may be the best solution for you. Instead of wearing a temporary denture while your implants heal, you can actually leave our office on the same day with a full arch of fixed, lightweight teeth. You can then return 6 to 9 months later, as recommended  to replace the teeth with higher quality permanent Zirconia or porcelain restoration. Instant teeth typically require 4 to 6 immediate load dental implants.

If you are ready to start your journey to dental health with a highly experienced, family-oriented dental practice, contact Scarsdale Dental Group today at 914-723-4707 to schedule your first appointment.