Dental implants are for patients who have lost teeth due to accidents or decay. They can look more natural than the use of dentures to replace missing teeth. The dentist will place an anchor and post into the root cavity which acts as a permanent tooth root. The dentist will then make a crown which has the size, shape, color and fit that will look like your other teeth. After the crown is completed it is attached to the implant post and is virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to support other dental fixtures like crowns, bridges, and dentures.

 

Dental implants are amongst some of the most successful procedures in dentistry. It's important to choose an experienced cosmetic dentist or oral surgeon to perform the procedures.

 

The dental specialists at Saint Luke's Dental Center use advanced state of the art equipment and the latest technology to provide high class dental implants at the most affordable prices. Dental implants at Saint Luke's are less than half what it costs in the United States. You will look and feel better for less than you can imagine.

 

Dental implants can last for many years, however they need the same maintenance as natural teeth, like flossing, brushing, and regular check-ups. Dental implants that are properly maintained can last upwards of 30-40 years.

 

Procedure

New advancements in technology have given various choices for the types of implant procedures that can be offered. There are the traditional implant and the mini dental implant.

 

New advancements in technology have given various choices for the types of implant procedures that can be offered. There are the traditional implant and the mini dental implant.

Traditional implants can be inserted in one sitting but require a period of osseointegration. This is the process in which the bone fuses with the implant. During the first step, the dentist surgically inserts the implant in the jaw, and a healing process of up to six months takes place for it to anchor and heal. After the implant has anchored with the jawbone the dentist then attaches an extension, after firstly uncovering the implant under the healed gum tissue. When this has been completed the extension, or post, is attached to the implant. After the post is in place, your dentist then will make a crown, and this is attached to the implant post. The crown is made to look just like your natural teeth, matching them in size, color, and shape of your natural teeth.

 

Mini dental implants are one of the newer innovations in restoration dentistry. The mini implants are small, less than 3 mm in diameter, are generally constructed from titanium and designed to provide quick healing and long lasting results. Usually they can be placed during a single visit. Unlike traditional implants where multiple dental visits are required, mini implant placement is a non-invasive treatment that eliminates the need for surgery. Mini implants are commonly used for the stabilization of dentures for patients who have difficulty with loose fitting dentures. This procedure involves a short process that locks the loose dentures into place. After installation of the mini dental implants, the top of the implants will easily snap into the metal housing of the dentures. The dentures can be removed for cleaning and there is no need to suffer from ill-fitting dentures again.

 

The cost of mini implants is about half the cost of the traditional implants.

 

Risks

As with most medical procedures there are risks associated with getting dental implants. The following are the most common risks and complications:

 

Reaction to anesthetic or medication, bleeding, infection of implant site, structural injury or damage near implant site, nerve damage, tingling or numbness of the lips, teeth, gums or chin, and sinus problems.

 

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with the surgeon at your consultation.

 

NEW DENTAL CT IMAGING

The Dental Center at Saint Luke’s offer dentists and their patient state-of-the-art dental imagery with 3D CT scans for the diagnosis and treatment planning for orthodontics, implantology, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and more. The 3D CT scan gives a volumetric image of the teeth and jaws, and provides more accurate and predictable results with enhanced patient safety. Click images to enlarge