Osseointegration
Osseointegration is a process that anchors a dental implant to the bone of the jaw. The osseointegration process usually takes three to six months to completely anchor and heal, after which the implant is in place and ready for a crown or artificial prosthesis. Those who smoke maybe asked to quit before proceeding with the osseointegration process, as smoking can cause failure in the anchoring. Osseointegration is not guaranteed, and if it fails, implantation cannot take place.

Implantation
A titanium metal screw and crown can be the answer to a more confident smile. Through a small-diameter hole, or pilot hole, precisely drilled where the new tooth will sit, the titanium screw will connect to the crown, holding the implant in place. Accuracy and skill are paramount during the drilling procedure due to the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. After the anchor sets after just a few months, your dentist will install a temporary crown to allow the gum line to grow in place before replacing it with the permanent crown.

If the implant is placed in the wrong position, osseointegration could not take place, resulting in failure of the implant. When this occurs, dental implants can break or become infected and crowns can ultimately loosen and fall out.
That’s why, at Gateway Dental, Dr. Bobby Grossi is certified, trained and experienced in dental implantology and assure a precise anchorage process. Anyone suffering from the inconveniences of missing teeth are encouraged to contact Gateway Dental for a consultation.

Implants are unique to each case
While some may be in situations more severe, others may only need a single tooth implant. When you lose a tooth, biting and other strenuous activity in the mouth could cause the teeth around the gap to shift. In some cases, the teeth surrounding the space where the old tooth once sat may even extrude from the socket, which means those teeth ,too, could eventually fall out. Loosing teeth may also make chewing food more difficult, which can ultimately affect the jaw. That’s why it is important to have a tooth replaced immediately after tooth loss.

Other than the obvious benefits, implants are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth and in most cases, appear better in appearance than older teeth that have been through decades of chewing, staining and normal wear and tear.

For those who require a more extensive dental implant procedure, upper and lower jaw implants are available and extremely helpful for dentures. A dental implant will relieve denture or bridge pressure from the jaw bone and surrounding nerves. And in the long run, dental implants will also prevent continuing bone loss after teeth have been removed.

Will this hurt?
Because the dental implant procedure is so intricate, requiring months of precise dental work, dentists will apply an anesthetic to numb the surrounding area, usually upon each implant procedural visit.
Post operative sensitivity is very minimal, usually within a day or two there is no sensitivity at all.

How much will implants cost me?
Every dental office offers different rates based on the severity of the implant case. Single implants usually run about $1500. Implant retained dentures costs vary depending on how many implants, and where they are placed. Please contact Gateway Dental to schedule an appointment to find out more information about implant retained dentures. At Gateway Dental, payment options are offered and the office will work on the right plan to fit your needs.

Because implants are among the most expensive dental procedure, dentists encourage patients to take extremely good care of them. They may ask that smokers drop the habit before undergoing the initial osseointegration process and to treat your implants as you would your finest china. Care for your implants at home is just as important as the dentist’s work at the office, and regular dentist cleaning and check-ups are also recommended to ensure the longest life possible for your implants. I properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.