Phases of Implant Treatment

1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.

Many patients are concerned because they want dental implants, but do not know if they are a good candidate for implants. Dr. Scharf and your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate. Therein lies their expertise. If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is a consideration for you, we ask that you undergo an examination and health history. In addition to standard dental radiographs, this may include a dentascan using an iCat dental scanner.

Dr. Scharf uses a highly sophisticated imaging program called Simplant. Simplant allows Dr. Scharf to analyze dentascan images directly on the computer and simulate implant placement before any treatment takes place. This sophisticated technology allows Dr. Scharf to determine your body’s ability to support a dental implant during the planning phase. He can analyze bone density and volume very accurately. This helps is our goal of placing dental implants that provide years of comfort, function and esthetics.

Following the diagnostic phase Dr. Scharf will work closely with your dentist to formulate your treatment plan options. If you do not have a dentist, Dr. Scharf can help you find a terrific one. He will then present his findings and recommendations to you during a treatment conference. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success. We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.

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2. Implant Placement

The implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the bone. Implants act as tooth root substitutes. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth. The gum and bone is made numb with a local anesthetic. Sedation is available as well. The implant is gently inserted into the bone where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This means that the bone grows onto the surface of the implant. This takes between 8-12 weeks in most instances depending on the condition of the bone.

In instances of very soft bone it can take 6 months or more for fusion to occur. Sometimes the implants are submerged under the gum during this healing phase. Sometimes they are left exposed flush with the gum. If they are submerged, then a second procedure will be needed to expose the implant after it has integrated with the. If the implant was not submerged, the prosthetic phase can begin once osseointegration is complete. Many times a single tooth can be replaced with 3 visits and only 8 weeks of time.

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3. Implant Uncovering

If the implants were submerged at the time of placement, a second procedure will be needed to expose the implants. This is minor procedure in which a small incision is made in the gum in the area of the dental implants. A titanium healing abutment is placed on top of the implant and the gum is sutured around it. The prosthetic phase can usually begin in 2-3 weeks time. Most times this uncovering is done with the light of a laser for fast comfortable results.

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4. Prosthetic Phase

Your dentist will make the replacement teeth that are held in place by the dental implants. This will take varying lengths of time depending on the type of restoration planned. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment begins. Your implant restoration may be cemented onto the implants, or it may be screwed into place. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a segment of missing teeth, or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants can also be used to secure a loose denture.

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5. Maintenance Phase

Just like natural teeth or like the finest automobile, dental implants need ongoing maintenance if you are to realize their full benefit over many decades. This will include proper care at home as well as professional maintenance. Dr. Scharf will work closely with your dentist to custom tailor your maintenance program to your specific needs.

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