by Michael A. Kubiniec, D.D.S.
A Photo Story Walkthrough
Replacing a lost tooth can be done in a few ways with the only permanent solution being a dental implant.
Dental implants act as an artificial root system rather than just a tooth-replacement. The entire process for dental implants usually takes several months to complete. However, the lifelong benefits of this tooth-replacement option more than make up for the initial time commitment.
The base of an implant is a titanium column, atop of which sits an abutment, which will connect the column to a dental crown.
Dr. Kubiniec is the only dentist in Genesee County that has a Galileos 3D Cone Beam scanner machine. This machine makes a 3D x-ray image of the patient's jaw, which allows Dr. Kubiniec to plan the implant placement.
The patient is fitted with the titanium implant post through a guided surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic.
A single implant may be placed to replace a solitary tooth, or several implants may be placed to support a denture appliance.
Once the implant is inserted, healthy bone tissue will gradually grow around it, firmly holding it into place as a new root system. This process takes a few months, as the bone grows rather slowly.
After a return appointment to place an abutment onto the implant post, the final appointment includes the placement of the permanent dental crown.
With the implant in place, function is returned to its most natural state. It is just like a whole new tooth, with no special care instructions and no drilling of neighboring teeth.
To learn how dental implants can benefit your smile, make an appointment today.