It might sound complex or confusing, but it is a straightforward process depending on your individual situation.  As Dr. Harman has had 4 implants placed in his mouth, including his top front middle tooth on the right side, he is able to empathize with you and what you are considering doing.  A very detailed discussion is important so that you truly understand every detail including different options.  

All of the work is done at our office including tooth extraction if needed, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and any of these strange topics you might have read about online.  Dr. Adams is our team’s implantologist, he is at the top of the field in implantology and even teaches implantology to dentists.  We would need to start with an exam, a CBCT (3-dimensional X-ray that goes around your head), and a conversation to start giving you options.

Again, every sicario is different, but in generalities, a tooth would come out and bone goes in where the roots were.  Once the new bone has grown into your bone and becomes “you” the implant is placed into the new bone and your existing bone.  This is then given time to heal so the implant body is now “you” and is integrated into the bone.  When ready we make the new tooth for the space. Which looks and functions like a normal tooth.

An important advancement that has helped dramatically with implant placement and long-term success is the use of the CBCT and digital scans of the mouth instead of the old sloppy impression material that would induce gagging and be less accurate.

Some patients worry that implants are painful since it has been inserted into your jaw. We remove that worry with our excellent pre, post, and follow-up care. The feedback we receive from patients is “I wish I would have done this 10 years ago” or however long they have been in a less ideal dental situation.  Have confidence that you’re in good hands when you choose our dental team for your implant needs.