Dental Implants – Springfield IL: A Procedure Overview

A Dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is secured in the jaw bone with great precision that serves as a root for a replacement tooth. Implants are made of titanium, which is light weight, biocompatible (accepted by the body) and easily fuses with the bone resulting in osseointegration. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth.

Dental Implant Procedure:

The Dental implant procedure is usually a two stage process that is usually carried out with local anesthesia or another form of Sedation Dentistry.

1. Preparing the site:

First of all, a local anesthesia is injected in to the jaw bone muscle and the surface of the gum is cut. In case of thick jaw bone, an appropriate sized hole is created in to the bone; whereas if the jaw bone is thin, extra bone grafting material is placed in the maxilla to strengthen the mandibular bone. This process is called Sinus Lift. Several types of bone grafts are made- either by taking bone from patient’s body or using other substances such as Calcium sulphate or bovine bone.

2. Placing the Implant:

Once the bone graft is made (if necessary), the next step involves fixing the dental implant in the drilled portion in the jawbone. The implants are made of titanium screws that can tolerate huge pressure during chewing. After placing the dental implant, a cover screw is placed on it and stitching of gum is done.

The patient is sent home once the surgery is done. Next follow up is after approximately two weeks to get the sutures removed.

3. Osseointegration Period:

This is the period when the wound is left to heal which usually takes around 3 to 6 months. During this natural process, the implant and the jaw fuse together.

4. Placing the Prosthetic tooth:

Before placing the final prosthetic tooth, a small collar is fitted on to the implant, which is known as abutment. The prosthetic tooth is then placed on to the abutment, resulting in a new tooth and your natural smile back.

Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise and experience in Dental Implants you need.  You can be sure that we will give you the best attention and care.  Let us answer all your questions. For more information on Dental Implants or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com