Many options are available, and they are tailored to your specific requirements. If you need a replacement tooth while the implants are healing, a temporary removable teeth can be placed.

Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience significant postoperative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed to make your recovery as easy as possible.  Great care is taken utilizing Sirona’s Guided Implant Technique to place the implant in the exact space required to avoid the nerve.

Implants usually last a long time. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees).

The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jaw bone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment three to four months after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.

The dental work required to complete your treatment is performed by the general dentist. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth before they are placed. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.

Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implant. We will also make “bite” records so that we see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, the implant guide and abutments (support post or healing collar) that attach your replacement teeth to your implant are fabricated.

The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. Between appointments, time is needed to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth.

In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 1 to 12 months, by your general dentist. It is difficult to give you a specific time frame for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.

As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. Implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually may need repair or adjustment.

Usually, a periodontist or oral surgeon places the implant and performs other necessary procedures – your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment.

At Northlake Periodontics, before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants. There is an initial fee for a Galileos 3-D Bone Scan and models that are sent to Germany for the fabrication of a surgical guide to ensure the best possible result. Once the surigcal guide is received you will return to the office for implant placement and pay the remainder of the fee. Periodic maintenance, such as hygiene visits, incur additional charges.

When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you are charged separately for their services so you will need to check with your general dentist regarding final restoration (crown). We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage. Most insurance companies provide very limited or no coverage.

We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.