Dental Implants Specialist

Dental Implants Q & A

What are dental implants?

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 3 million people have dental implants — and that number is rapidly growing by about 500,000 per year. Modern titanium implants were first developed in the 1950s, but archeologists have determined that ancient Egyptians and Mayans were the first cultures to implant artificial teeth.

Current dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics, which are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath your gums, where they fuse into your jaw.

Once the new “root” is in place, a crown is mounted on top of the implant for a natural-looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer dental implants because they offer the same function as natural teeth and also prevent bone atrophy in your jaw. Dental implants may be used to replace a single missing or damaged tooth or to restore your entire smile.

Are dental implants right for me?

You may qualify for dental implants if you have missing, broken, or severely decayed teeth and you’re in relatively good overall health. The only way to determine your eligibility for implants is to consult with Dr. Bunn at Skyview Dentistry to identify whether you have adequate bone and healthy gums to support the new tooth structure.

What is the process to get an implant?

The placement of dental implants is a multiple-step process that typically takes 6-9 months to complete. It begins with a surgical procedure wherein Dr. Bunn places a titanium rod where your previous tooth root once was and then sutures your gums shut over the implant. For your comfort, Dr. Bunn sedates you for the one- to two-hour procedure.

Over several months, your titanium post will begin fusing with your surrounding bone. At the conclusion of the healing period, you’ll return to be fitted for permanent crowns.

What type of post-treatment care will I require?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort, including bruising and swelling, following a dental implant procedure. You can easily manage the inflammation and pain with over-the-counter medications, and the Skyview Dentistry team may recommend eating only soft foods for about two weeks until the surgical site heals.

If you’d like to explore dental implants, call Skyview Dentistry or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.