Everything You Need To Know About Dental Implants

Coffee-stained teeth can be corrected with whitening treatments, crooked teeth can be fixed with Invisalign, but what happens when a  tooth is missing? Losing a tooth can be detrimental to smiles, however there is an innovative procedure which allows patients the opportunity to revive their sparkly whites. Whether it’s a single tooth replacement or a full mouth reconstruction, dental implants have been remarkable in restoring smiles. Haute Beauty sat down with board-certified dentist Dr. Rhonda Kalasho to discuss the many benefits of dental implants and what patients should be aware of prior to having the procedure.

What is a dental implant?

Implants in dentistry are arguably the biggest revelation since resin bonded fillings.  We have been able to effectively, and efficiently, given patients the chance to revive their smiles. From a simple one tooth replacement, to full mouth implant rehabilitation cases, the possibilities that dental implants give to restore our patients’ mouths are remarkable.

 How does it work?

An implant works by a mechanism called Osteointegration, which simply put, is our natural bone, fusing to the implant surface, and becoming one. Over the course of several months your bone, and that implant fuse, and the process of placing a tooth, or teeth on the implant begins.

 What should patients be aware of?

At times we are unable to place a tooth on the implant immediately, simply because the implant is not strong enough, or is not integrated enough in the bone to be stable enough top handle the occlusal load that we place on our teeth while eating and functioning, therefore, we have to wait. This process can take a proximately 3-4 months, and at times even six months depending on the bone density.

 Walk us through the procedure?

Prior to implant placement I use my 3D CBCT head scan, which is an excellent radiographic imaging modality that Is used prior to the implant surgery to evaluate the anatomical boundaries, and the exact placement of the implant to ensure the most predictable results. We place the implant and restore the implant after a couple of months. During the time you are waiting for the implant you may have a temporary implant crown, or a temporary flipper to keep the space open for the final restoration, and so that you aren’t walking round without a tooth.

Implants have certainly proven to be an invaluable option to patients missing one or more teeth.