INITIAL CONSULTATION

The first step is an examination and consultation with Dr. Crutchfield to determine whether or not you are a candidate for implant treatment. This usually involves x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth. During the examination, we will be evaluating the area(s) of your mouth where teeth are missing and the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs. A review of your health history will indicate whether there are any medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for implant treatment.

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SURGICAL EVALUATION

Following the initial consultation, you will be scheduled for a comprehensive surgical evaluation. This will typically be for the purpose of further evaluating the quality and quantity of available bone to determine the number of implants necessary, as well as whether additional procedures may be needed to obtain the desired functional and esthetic result.

If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, the need for procedures to add (graft) bone, or create new bone will also be evaluated. Significant areas of loss are carried out by our specialist team of elite Oral Surgeons and Periodontists in the Mason area. 

Special 3D imaging might be recommended to provide a more detailed view of your teeth and the surrounding bone and facial structures.

Once the surgical evaluation has been completed, a treatment plan will be developed to meet your individual functional and esthetic needs.

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IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCEDURE

The implants are placed in the bone using a specialized surgical technique. Following this procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of several months so that the bone can remodel around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them. During this bone-remodeling phase, you may elect to have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so that you never have to be without teeth during treatment. Implant placement may be completed with oral or IV sedation if you desire to have little memory of the surgical experience.

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ABUTMENT ATTACHMENT PROCEDURE

Following the appropriate bone-remodeling period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each implant. If not placed with implants, these are usually temporary attachments that allow soft tissue (gums) to heal around implants.

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FABRICATION OF REPLACEMENT TEETH

Depending on the type of implant placed, Dr. Crutchfield will take an impression that may include adjacent teeth and the implant with specialized attachments. This impression will be sent to a lab where the laboratory technician will fabricate a permanent abutment and crown. Dr. Crutchfield will attach the permanent abutment and crown and make any adjustments to make sure it fits properly.

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