What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be a great way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants deliver incomparable benefits for your smile and are a permanent solution. Whether you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch, dental implants seamlessly restore oral function and esthetics after tooth loss. Dental implants look, feel, and function similar to natural teeth.
Implant technology provides the highest standard of care and is the preferred method of tooth replacement today. Dr. Suzanne Mason is an expert in implant placement and proudly offer versatile and flexible dental implant options.
Mason Periodontics and Dental Implants offers:
- Onsite advanced CBCT diagnostic imaging to precisely plan placement of your dental implant.
- Surgical removal of infected tooth/teeth and various bone grafting options.
- A team approach to your implant care. We work with your dentist to create the smile you desire.
- A supportive and friendly team of dental professionals to support you through the process of tooth replacement.
- Financing options to make implants affordable for you.
- Please contact us today at (231) 932-4223 to get started.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a number of options. None, however, offer the lifetime benefits of dental implants:
- Feel, act and look like real teeth
- Replace any number of missing teeth
- Strong, stable biting function
- Form solid connection with the jaw
- Preserve jawbone health
- Do not shift or make noise
- Improve self-confidence
- Enhance quality of life
Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement
A dental implant used to replace a missing tooth is a simple process. The procedure involves placing the implant into the bone at the site of the missing tooth. It will integrate and become the anchor attachment for a fixed (permanent) restoration. The healing process takes about 12 weeks but in some situations a tooth can be placed on the implant immediately. The final tooth restoration will be permanent and custom made at a dental lab to match the mouth.
Dental Implant Definition
Dental implant terminology can be confusing. Please see below for a description of the 3 parts that make up a dental implant.
Implant: titanium or zirconia screw placed into bone. Replaces the root of a missing tooth or teeth.
Abutment: Custom-made at a dental lab. A piece that connects the dental implant to the crown. The abutment base is screwed and torqed into the implant below the gum. The top portion sticks out through the gum tissue into the mouth.
Implant Crown: The new tooth replacement! Custom-made at the lab to fit perfectly over the abutment. It will be cemented (either in the mouth or at the lab) to the abutment. The crown is made of zirconia or porcelain and will match the other teeth.
Our Dental Implant Options
Titanium Dental Implants |
Zirconia Ceramic Implants |
|
|
The Implant Process Timeline
After you’ve been approved for the surgery, the implant process typically takes 2-3 appointments. The entire process can take up to 3-6 months, depending on how long it takes for your implant to heal.
At your first appointment, Dr. Mason will place your dental implant using the treatment plan she developed based on the images and x-rays taken during your consultation. After your mouth has been cleaned and numbed, we will surgically place your implant and ensure it is in optimal position for rapid healing.
Once your implant has been placed, the area will be sutured shut, and it must heal for a period of 3-6 months. In certain circumstances, a temporary crown can be delivered on the day of surgery. During this time, your jawbone integrates with your dental implant, and the small piece of titanium becomes a permanent part of your mouth.
Once your mouth has healed, you’ll come back in for your final appointment to have your implant torque-tested to ensure it is stable and ready for the final abutment and implant-crown at your general dentist’s office.
—James S.