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Monday: 10am - 6pm
Tues., Wed., Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 7am - 1pm
Saturday: 9am - 2pm
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Dental Implants
Sandalwood Dental is excited to announce that we are now able to place and restore most dental implants in our office. In years past, the surgical placement of the implant itself was referred to a specialist while the general dentist placed the crown on the top of the implant. Oral surgeons and periodontists have an intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the upper and lower jaws. As such we have relied upon their expertise for placing the implant body into the best available bone. Unfortunately, the specialists have limited knowledge about the ins and outs of restoring the implant with a crown. Now we have the best of both worlds at our disposal. Utilizing the latest in CT, (computerized tomography) we are now able to complete your implant surgery via the software before you ever sit down in the chair. Once we complete your CT scan with our scanning appliance, we can map out the critical anatomy of your jaw as well as see exactly where the best bone is located. We then virtually “place” your implant in the computer at the perfect angle and location for your crown. Basically we eliminate any surprises and ensure that the surgical and restorative aspects of your implant procedure are balanced. Placing implants in this manner will, in our opinion, revolutionize dentistry in the following years. The best news? In most cases, your surgery will take place in-house by your Sandalwood dentist with whom you are already comfortable.
What is an implant anyway?
A dental implant is a titanium threaded post that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw either at the time of your extraction or a few months after you have healed. After a period of integration where the implant and bone fuse, a crown is made and attached to the implant, restoring your missing tooth.
How is an implant different from a bridge?
A bridge is a series of three or more crowns that are made as one unit to replace a missing tooth. Traditionally, bridges have served the dental community very well, but they have their downsides as well. Primarily, a bridge costs you healthy enamel from the two teeth on either side of the one you have lost. An implant is much more conservative as it leaves these two teeth healthy and intact. A bridge also makes it very challenging to floss as the three or more crowns are connected. Every day we see bridges that rot out because patients are unable to properly clean underneath them. An implant allows you the ability to floss and brush normally as if you had all of your natural teeth intact. Also, because the implant is a metal to metal connection, you are less prone to decay should expect an average lifespan twice that of a bridge. Even more importantly, an implant allows you to chew with as much if not more force than your natural tooth. Try doing that with a bridge or a partial!!
What is the surgery like?
The implant surgery is actually a lot less invasive than your extraction. The site is anesthetized and a series of small drills are used to prepare a space for the implant which is then screwed into place. Sutures may or may not be placed and you will be released. In most cases you can go to work the next day. You will then heal for a period of time, usually between 3 and six months prior to placing the crown. We even offer conscious sedation for your surgery if that would help make you more comfortable.
Are implants expensive?
To a degree- yes. What you must keep in mind is that your implant is far and away the most sophisticated, longest lasting, most durable, most conservative way to replace your missing tooth. If you consider the average lifespan, an implant is MUCH less expensive than the two bridges that you would need in that same period of time. Anything worth doing is worth doing right!