Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are metal posts that provide sturdy, long-lasting support for oral prosthetics. Dr. Russell places one (or several) implants during a quick, outpatient procedure. 

Following treatment, you return home for several months while your mouth heals. During this time, your jawbone grows around each implant, integrating them into your bone.

Who can benefit from dental implants?

Anyone missing one or multiple permanent teeth can benefit from dental implants. If you’re missing teeth, you’re more likely to experience gum recession, bone loss, and tooth misalignment. Dental implants can restore your smile, lowering your risk of these and other complications.

To receive dental implants you need healthy gums and jaws. If you don’t have enough bone to support the implants or you’re living with gum disease, Dr. Russell might recommend a bone graft or periodontal treatment before moving forward.

Let Dr. Russell know if you have a chronic medical condition like heart disease or diabetes. These conditions won’t necessarily keep you from getting implants, but they may increase your risk of implant failure.

What is the process of receiving dental implants?

Receiving dental implants takes a series of appointments spaced several months apart. 

At your initial consultation, Dr. Russell takes computed tomography (CT) scans of your existing teeth and gums to guide the implant placement. He uploads your scans to a software program that allows him to develop a custom surgical guide.

After approving a surgical treatment plan, Dr. Russell administers a local anesthetic and places a series of small titanium posts in your jaw. The number of implants you receive depends on the type of implant restoration you’re getting. There’s a surgical suite on-site, so you don’t have to visit a hospital or other treatment facility.

Following surgery, you return home while your mouth heals. Several months later, you return to the office. Dr. Russell takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental laboratory that manufactures your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures. If you only need a single-tooth implant, he creates your crown on-site with the CEREC® milling machine. 

A week or two later, you return to the office and Dr. Russell attaches your implant restoration to your dental implants. He attaches your restoration to your dental implant, restoring your smile to a healthy, vibrant condition.

To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, schedule a consultation at Russell Family Dentistry. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a caring team member today.