Overview of Implant Placement
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts – El Segundo CA
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.
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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 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.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts
Patient Review By David Benson
Number 1 the best #5
- David Benson
Patient Review By Vivicca W
After interviewing 21 dentists and oral surgeons for my full mouth reconstruction and sinus lift I finally found my doctor! Dr. Cheung is a perfectionist - which is what you want in a dentist/oral surgeon. He's friendly, patient and really walks you thru every step of the way. My first surgery lasted 11 1/2 hours -- and he didn't miss a beat. He rang me every day during my recovery. His staff is amazing! Kind, friendly and understanding. Yes, he's pricey but as they say -- you get what you pay for and I got platinum service from Renny and his team. I can't recommend Dr. Cheung highly enough - five stars just isn't enough. Great caring human being and if you're lucky enough to go to him, you've reached your pot of gold. I had additional surgery (this one only took 2 hours) and I was out like a light and woke up swollen but pain free. Again, he rang me to check in on my progress. Summary: Do yourself a favor and run, not walk, to Dr. Cheung. He's got two other practice locations if the LAX office isn't close. I've been to his Woodland Hills office and his staff there were great. Tots thumbs up with a twirl!
- Vivicca W
Patient Review By Lerner C
Had a dental implant and extraction done. 5 star service from the entire staff (Mari, Ale, Val, Esther)
- Lerner C
Patient Review By Patrick C
I like the state-of-art standing, rotating X-ray of the mouth/teeth scan. Dr. Victor Ho expertise put me at ease. I definitely trust Dr. Ho for my implants.
- Patrick C
Patient Review By A O
Dr. Cheung is an excellent oral surgeon. I was referred to him for a tooth extraction and implant. His professional manner allowed me to relax and feel comfortable from start to finish. He even phoned me later on the day of the extraction to be sure I was OK. The staff were friendly and efficient. Joceline, the Office Manager, answered all of my questions about billing and insurance; Christine, the Receptionist, was very helpful in accommodating appointments to fit my schedule; the Dental Assistants (Leslie, Zoraida, Crystal, Jojo) are highly-skilled!
- A O
Patient Review By Amal G
Excellent and very professional doctor also his staff are amazing!!!
- Amal G
Patient Review By Luna M
Dr. Cheung is very knowledgeable and skilled doctor. My whole experience with Dr. Cheung has been very great. Everything went so smooth. The office staffs are nice and polite. I will absolutely come back here again!
- Luna M
Patient Review By Kelly W
If I could give 6 stars I would. Dr Cheung and staff were amazing, the level of care is top notch, the office is immaculate and I appreciated the free parking.
- Kelly W
Patient Review By Tammi J
Zoraida took care of me from start to finish. Super efficient and compassionate. She even got me a blanket and pillow
- Tammi J
Patient Review By Irma P
The experience was wonderful, will refer other patients. Jen is a great assistant!
- Irma P
Patient Review By Charlotte J
The Staff was very pleasant and professional and efficient throughout my treatment period. I will recommend them to any one who needs the same care that I have received.
- Charlotte J
Patient Review By Jose R
The office staff from the dentist on down are extremely cordial, professional, and caring. In short, having dental work was a breeze.
- Jose R