Who Does Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become one of the most common restorations in the industry. In the past, you might have had only two options to replace a missing tooth and that was with a fixed dental bridge or a partial denture. Fortunately, technology has changed and you can now replace a missing tooth without the need to compromise surrounding teeth or wear a removable appliance. Furthermore, patients may want or need implants if they wear a denture that they’d like to keep more firmly in place.

What is a Dental Implant?

‍A dental implant typically consists of a titanium post, a connector and the top crown. The implant post itself will become osseointegrated into the bone, which means that your natural bone will grow in and around the implant. Once osseointegrated, the doctor will place a specially-made dental crown on top to restore a full, even smile. Dental implants are permanent, so once they have healed fully, you can expect them to last a lifetime without needing to be replaced or repaired. Implants are most often made out of titanium, but they can also be made out of ceramic or zirconia.

Who Does Dental Implants?

‍Dental implant surgery is commonly performed in general dental offices, but it is most often done by specialists. General dentists who have undergone special training and education to place implants are able to perform the procedure safely and efficiently. Some dentists may refer their patients to a local oral surgeon or periodontist who will then place the implants for them. As a periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Gurinsky is able to perform every part of the implant procedure as well as restoration of older or failed implants. He works to provide his patients with a level of professionalism and comfort that isn’t often found in the dental field.

What Can You Expect with Surgery for Dental Implants?

‍The surgery for dental implants is often quite straightforward. First, you’ll have a consultation and exam to determine the type of implant that you need as well as where it needs to be placed. We will discuss sedative options prior to having the surgery performed. You will then come in and have the actual surgery in-office. The procedure involves creating a small incision through the gums to expose the bone. Using specialized tools, a canal is drilled into the bone and the implant post placed. The incision is sutured and you’ll need to come back routinely to ensure the implant is healing properly. Implants rely on a natural process known as osseointegration. This simply refers to the point when your bone fuses and bonds with a foreign object in the body, like the dental implant. You’ll then need to have a special dental crown made to place on top of the implant. For denture wearers, a new plate has to be made to fit properly onto the implants.

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