Two-Stage Treatment

1. The implant(s) are placed during one surgery, then the surrounding tissues are allowed to heal for 4-6 months. (The gum will actually heal over the implant(s)).
   
   
2. A second surgery is performed to re-open the gum at the site(s) and attach an “abutment” (post) onto each implant. A prosthetic “tooth” (crown) or group of “teeth” (bridge) will later be secured to the abutment(s)—usually 4 weeks later—or overdentures can be clipped on. Sometimes temporary prostheses are attached the same day as the abutment(s) and act as “teeth” until permanent crowns or bridges are anchored.

One-Stage Treatment

Implants are placed and the cover screw is exposed through the gum or a healing abutment (post) is immediately attached to each implant during a single surgery. Temporary replacement “teeth” may be secured to the abutments in selected cases. The permanent prostheses will be attached or overdentures can be worn after 2-4 months of healing from the implant surgery.

Immediate Extraction Site Implants

If a tooth is extracted and there is no acute infection (abscess) and there is enough bone present, the implant is placed immediately. Bone grafting may be required to fill in the extraction site and preserve the bone ridge. A resorbable membrane to cover the site may be necessary for guided bone regeneration.

If infection is present at the time of tooth extraction, or if there is insufficient bone or gum at the site(s), the implant(s) will be placed after the infection is gone and/or sufficient tissue has been regenerated through other procedures including bone grafting and gum grafting.

Implants for Patients with Advanced Bone Loss

Patients with deficient bone structure can still have dental implants with the use of advanced techniques of bone grafting for either immediate or delayed implant placement.

• Simple Bone Grafting
• Complex Bone Grafting

Temporary Implants

These narrow 2mm implants are titanium screws that are used as temporary implants to support a fixed or removable temporary bridge while bone grafts are healing during site development for later implant placement or while implants are healing. These temporary implants are later removed when implants are ready to use. They don’t always last and frequently need to be removed and replaced to maintain a temporary bridge.

Once implant(s) are placed and all gum and bone procedures are complete and the tissues are in a healthy state, you will visit a restorative dentist or prosthodontist who will make and attach the final crown(s) or dental prosthesis. Dental restorations performed by qualified and experienced dentists in coordination with dental laboratories help ensure the correct appearance, hygiene and function of the implant(s).

What Types of Prostheses Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth—each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) you choose. A removable prosthesis (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments; it is less costly than a fixed prosthesis and allows easier hygiene. A fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist; it offers the advantage of greater stability than an overdenture.

Typically a minimum of 4 implants in the upper jaw can provide stability for a removable overdenture without palatal coverage, which is more comfortable. Many patients can’t tolerate an upper denture because of gagging. Avoidance of palatal coverage also improves one’s ability to taste.

6-12 implants are often placed to provide a fixed bridge in the upper jaw. Additional bone grafting including augmentation of the anterior ridge and bilateral sinus lift bone grafting permits even the most atrophied ridge to be prepared for successful implant placement.

6-12 implants can also be placed in the lower jaw to provide a fixed bridge.

A minimum of 2-3 implants in the lower jaw can anchor a removable overdenture, preventing displacement by the tongue.

Choosing a Removable or Fixed Complete Prosthesis

		Removable Prosthesis With a removable prosthesis, the new teeth are joined to the implants by a conecting device, such as a clip and bar. This allows you to take the prosthesis out for cleaning.
		Fixed Prosthesis With a fixed prosthesis, the new teeth are fitted to a frame that is secured to the implants.