Traditional & Mini Implants in Sexsmith
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At South 40 Dental Sexsmith, we can replace missing or damaged teeth with dental implants, including mini implants within the Sexsmith, Alberta area.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing or extracted teeth.
They are more stable than alternatives like bridges because the dental implant replaces the ‘root’ of your natural tooth with a titanium rod that is surgically placed into your jaw bone, and no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.
Mini Implants (Single Stage Implants)
Mini-implants is for securing dentures with ultra-small diameter titanium alloy implant screws.
The placement procedure for mini implants is quite different from traditional implants. They can be placed in a one-day appointment. In a typical denture stabilization procedure, four mini implants are placed in the lower jaw.
With the assistance of our CT diagnostic imaging tools, the dentist marks the proper locations for the implants on the patient’s ridge and then uses a pilot drill to create a small hole in the tissue.
The implants are then inserted into the pilot holes and tightened into place. Once the implants are placed, the patient’s denture is fitted.
In some cases, a new denture is fabricated for this procedure, but it is also possible to retrofit the patient’s existing denture if it is in good condition. After the denture is fitted, the patient is instructed how to take care of the implant.
How Will The Implant Be Inserted?
The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months.
Step 1
The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary.
Step 2
After the implants are placed, the gums are sutured, and a healing collar is placed. Traditionally dental implants must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time, the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
During this healing time, you can have a temporary ‘flipper’ installed so that you can speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile. In some circumstances, the dental implant may have a permanent crown placed the same day.
Step 3
After the implant site has healed, it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed, an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Our dentist will advise you on if you are able to have the abutment placed during the implant procedure.
Step 4
Once the implants have had a chance to heal, the final restorative step takes place. This stage consists of fabricating and connecting the prosthetic teeth (implant crown) to the successfully osseointegrated implants. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
