Overview of Implant Placement
The Surgical Procedure
The Healing Phase
When Are Dental Implants Placed?
How Many Implants Do I Need?
The Surgical Procedure
The procedure to place an implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.
Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed.
When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
The Healing Phase
Now the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed. The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. After the initial phase of healing, the surgeon places an abutment (support post) or a healing cap onto the implant during a brief follow-up visit. This allows gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant.
Occasionally, impressions are made at the time the implant is placed. This enables the crown to be ready when the implants have healed. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by a variety of factors. Follow-up care (one to four appointments) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.
It may be beneficial to perform a soft tissue graft to obtain stronger, more easily cleaned, and natural appearing gum tissue in the area around the implant. This process involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to the area around the implant. Most often, it is a brief and relatively comfortable procedure.
Whether it’s one tooth or all of your teeth that are being replaced, your dentist will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
When Are Dental Implants Placed?
Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after the extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process—you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.
If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.
How Many Implants Do I Need?
Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.
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Anthony Sallustio, DDS
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Dr. Salustio and his staff are superior professionals. Everything is excellent, first rate, could not have had a better experience. And I LOVE my teeth.
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I could not have been any happier with the work performed by Dr. Sallustio. He is amazing. From the onset of my plan he informed me of all that would be involved with my procedures. He took his time to make sure everything felt natural. Dr. Sallustio is the most caring dentist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His caring and compassion to his patients is reflected in the staff that he works with.
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My daughter comes with me to the appointments sometimes and she just loves everyone there. If you hear a tiny voice yelling “Dr U-stio” from another room, it’s probably her! 🤣
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The procedure was somewhat painful but the experience with the office was not.
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There are no great reviews without great services. These services are provided by Dr. Sallustio and his competent staff, who mix professionalism with the warm atmosphere of visiting friends. I've had some traumatic experiences with other dentists in my life before coming here but no longer fear going to the dentist. Dr. Sallustio is the best that there is. He is compassionate and knowledgeable and knows how to treat patients with severe anxiety like myself. Dental implants gave me the ability to once again bite into, chew and enjoy all of the foods that I love, which I hadn't done in years. The implants felt fantastic from day one and continue to feel great. Thank you Dr. Sallustio for not only giving me back my smile but my self confidence as well.
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I was Dr. Sallustio's worst patient. I gaged, was combative under sedation Dr. Sallustio performed miracles while other dentists gave up on me I travel over 25 miles , for over 10 years, to his office and would never consider seeing another dentist
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I have been coming for the past 3 years, and am very pleased with the finished product.
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Dr. Sallustio offers excellent skills and knowledge, compassion, patience and interest, all of which reflect his ability to provide perfect outcomes. He coordinates with all other dental clinicians on behalf of his clients. His staff are very skilled and accommodating and reflect the high standards of the office! I also appreciate the ambiance of the office, it’s gardens, potted plants and fresh flowers. Need a dentist? He”s your guy!
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After years of avoiding dental care due to fear, I finally made an appointment with a dentist who told me my only option was removable dentures. I went to Dr Sallustio for a second opinion and I am VERY glad that I did. He was able to create a treatment plan for me that allowed me to have to permanently attached bridges - as close to real teeth as you can get! Dr Sallustio and every one of his staff members made me feel comfortable and were able to alleviate the dental fears that I have lived with for decades. I can not recommend him enough!
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The entire experience here was wonderful. Everything is good. So glad I was referred to Dr. Sallustio!
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The procedure that was performed for me is life changing! Dr. Sallustio and his entire staff are TOP NOTCH!
- Rick F
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I embarked on a year long adventure with Dr. Sallustio which involved correlation with a maxiofacial surgeon, removal of bottom teeth, placing of implants and a permanent appliance anchored to the implants. Complicated? You bet! From the first moment I walked in the door, Judy at the front desk sensed my nervousness and immediately made me feel comfortable and calm. Every single person in the office is caring, compassionate and kind. Talking about financing such a project isn't easy and even that was done in such a clear and helpful way. I can only think that the staff reflects Dr. Sallutio's personal style and manner. He held my hand every single step of the way, worked through the setbacks I presented him with patience and skill and he celebrated with me at the finish line. If you are considering this dental practice, you will not find a more proficient and patient bunch of perfectionists. I am so lucky to have found them!
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