What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small screw made from titanium or a titanium alloy surgically inserted into your jawbone. It acts as the foundation for a custom-made dental crown.

The FDA has also approved the use of zirconia for implants. Zirconia is a hard white ceramic material that is a popular alternative to traditional titanium implants and is suitable for patients with rare metal allergies.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent restorative alternative to dentures or bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. Denture plates and bridges do not stimulate the jawbone underneath, leading to bone resorption, which causes the oral appliance to shift or slip. Ill-fitting dentures and bridges are uncomfortable to wear and can adversely impact your speech and diet.

Dental implants help stimulate and support a healthy jawbone, preventing rapid bone deterioration, tooth misalignment, and sunken facial features.

Do You Need Reconstructive Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a technique used when a patient doesn’t have enough healthy bone in their jaw to support dental implants. Patients who require dental implants often need bone grafts before the implants can be installed if they have been missing teeth for a prolonged period.

When a tooth is lost or removed, this can cause bone loss in the underlying jaw. Without adequate stimulation from a tooth root, the jaw begins to dissolve and reabsorb into the body.

Implants rely on bone osseointegration to function. This means that the implant needs to fuse with the jawbone so that it can become a strong foundation for the new crown. If there isn’t a strong bone underneath, this creates a weak foundation that can result in implant failure.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild bones by transplanting bone tissue. Before inserting a new dental implant into the patient’s jaw, new bone must be grafted to restore the damaged jawbone so that the implant remains stable.

Bone can be sourced from different locations on your body (autograft), a deceased human donor (allograft), a porcine or bovine donor (xenograft), or synthetically fabricated (alloplast). Synthetic grafts can be made from materials like calcium phosphate or calcium sodium phosphosilicate. During your consultation, Dr. Justin M. Young will discuss the best option for your dental needs and oral health.

Our Treatment

When you come into Dr. Young’s clinic for your dental implant procedure, you can expect the following:

• Dental exam: Your oral surgeon thoroughly examines your mouth using 3D imaging and digital X-rays to map your teeth and underlying bone completely.
• Removal of tooth/remaining tooth: If your damaged tooth is still in place, your dentist extracts it. If the tooth has already fallen out, your dentist checks for remaining nerves or roots and removes them so implants can be installed.
• Bone grafting: If your dental exam indicates insufficient underlying bone, your oral surgeon performs a bone graft to repair and strengthen the jawbone.
• Implant installation: Your oral surgeon incises your gum tissue and jawbone to surgically embed the dental implant. After this, osseointegration can take between three to six months as the implants bond with the jawbone. A healing abutment is added to protect the implant from plaque and debris.
• Abutment: Once the implant is stabilized and secure, the final abutment is added. This part of the implant holds the new custom crown in place.
• Crown insertion: After four to six weeks, the custom crown will be installed. The crown is made to match your existing teeth color, size, and shape by taking molds and digital impressions.

Contact Dr. Justin M. Young to Restore Your Smile and Renew Your Confidence

Dental implants and reconstructive bone-grafting procedures can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile and boost your self-confidence. Contact Dr. Justin M. Young today using our convenient online form to schedule your initial consultation.

Years of Dental Experience