The Dental Implant Process

As a Prosthodontist, Charles Silk, D.D.S. specializes in dental restoration and replacement, including implant procedures. Modern dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and, prior to surgery, the shape and dimensions of the jaw must be clearly mapped in order to ensure proper placement. During the procedure, the bone is prepared using a hand osteotome or precision drill and care is taken to avoid any vital structures, such as nerves. Generally, the hole in the bone is created through several stages, starting with a pilot hole that is slowly expanded to accommodate the implant. Once the hole is the correct size, the implant is screwed into the bone using an exact torque that will not overload the surrounding bone. The implant then requires time to integrate with the bone before a tooth is affixed to it, ensuring that the implant will not move once a tooth is placed on it. In order for a dental implant to successfully take, the jaw must contain enough strong bone to support the implant. If the jaw is unable to provide this support, bone grafts are able to bolster it. All surrounding tissues, such as the gums, must also be in good health to prevent rejection. The type of tooth prosthesis that the prosthodontist uses depends on each patient’s specific circumstances. The actual implant is determined by the prosthesis. Once the prosthodontist has successfully identified the best prosthesis, he or she will subsequently engineer the implant with the length and threading necessary to support the new tooth.

Advertisement