Procedures & Services

Dental Implants

For most patients, the placement of dental implants is performed in one surgical procedure. After placement, you will normally see small healing caps protruding through the gum. Three to six months of healing is then required for the implants to gradually bond with the bone of the jaw. Temporary dentures or crowns may be used. You should be able to eat a fairly normal diet during this period.

After the implants have bonded to the jawbone, the healing caps are removed and small posts attached (abutments) which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These will either be placed by your dentist or Dr. Garrison. Your dentist will then fabricate the crowns (or other attachments) for the final phase of treatment.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. 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 dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Garrison will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Learn more about new technology we have to offer patients to accelerate the healing process after some surgical procedures.