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© 2006 Implant Innovations, Inc.
Used by permission, all rights reserved.
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For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone (stage 1). Healing time following surgery varies from person to person, based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary teeth and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final crown, bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the bone (3-6 moths), the second phase begins. Dr. Cabrera will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments (abutments) can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life. Sometimes stages 1 and 2 can be combined, decreasing the waiting time and number of procedures.
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Case Study- Single Implant
Patient has lost front tooth after a failed root canal (Fig. 1). In order to avoid cutting down another tooth for a bridge she decided to have an implant supported crown. A temporary appliance was used during the healing period (fig. 2.) With a combination of tissue sculpting and excellent crown work by her dentist we were able to obtain a good result in the final crown (Fig. 3). Schematic of the implant with the crown in place is shown in Fig. 4
Additional information is available in the education section under "links."
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