Expert Surgical Dental Care:
Extractions & Implants

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that look, feel, and work just like an original tooth. An implant can be a life-changing solution if you’ve lost a tooth to disease or accident.

Dental implants effectively restore missing teeth by replacing the tooth root, preserving bite, and preventing shifting. Implants are securely placed into the jawbone, offering superior comfort, stability, and permanence. They also help prevent jawbone loss and facial sagging. Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support bridges and dentures. Dr. Quest has improved the lives of hundreds of patients with expert implants.

1. Evaluation: First, Dr. Quest will conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health to be sure that you are a candidate for dental implants. She will also determine if there is a condition necessitating bone grafting. If so, then a membrane will also need to be placed.
   The evaluation will include clinical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans), and a discussion of your treatment goals. We have recently added a cutting-edge 3D panorex X-ray machine to our so that our doctors have the latest technology to assess the mouth for implant treatment. This new 3D dental imaging, also known as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), provides dentists with precise and detailed views of a patient’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. This allows them to detect problems much earlier and with more accuracy than traditional 2D imaging. Best yet, the new 3D technology emits much lower radiation levels during a scan than traditional X-rays.

2. Treatment Planning: Once we have confirmed that you are a candidate for dental implants, you will schedule an appointment with Dr. Quest to surgically place the implant into your jawbone. For most, the placement of the implant is less uncomfortable than anticipated. Within a few days, most patients experience a significant reduction in the common symptoms of implant placement such as discomfort, tenderness, inflammation, bruising, and slight bleeding. Symptoms peak within the first three days and then gradually subside. You may resume your usual activities three days after the implant is placed.
3. Healing: After placing the dental implant, your jawbone will need to fuse with the implant. Also known as osseointegration, this process ensures optimal stability and functionality and is vital for long term success of the implant. Osseointegration can take anywhere from four to six months to complete. Key factors, including age, patient family history, conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis, and oral health, will determine your healing time.
4. Abutment: Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant to hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place.
5. Tooth Restoration: Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth which can be individual crowns, bridges, or dentures, are attached to the abutment. This is typically done at the same appointment as the abutment placement.

Dental implants are generally not painful because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The normal, post-procedure mild soreness or swelling can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the recovery process smooth and that their discomfort diminishes quickly as their healing progresses. Dr. Quest will provide personalized care to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. The Marion Smile Center team prides themselves on offering the most comfortable care during your visits, check out the Comfort Menu.

Dental implants represent a significant advancement in restorative dentistry, offering numerous benefits to those struggling with missing teeth. 

• Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Because they are integrated into the jawbone, they provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Improved Chewing and Speech: Dental implants restore the ability to chew food comfortably and speak clearly, without the worry of slippage or instability commonly associated with dentures.
• Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the most durable tooth replacement options available.
• Preservation of Bone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to preserve bone density and prevent bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. This preservation of bone structure can contribute to better overall oral health and facial appearance.
• No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth for support, dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This helps preserve the integrity of adjacent teeth and reduces the risk of future dental issues.
• Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, eliminating the discomfort and instability often associated with removable dentures. Say goodbye to sticky denture adhesives!
• Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Dental implants restore the ability to smile, eat, and speak with confidence, which can significantly enhance self-esteem and quality of life.
• Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for adhesives or special cleaning solutions required for removable dentures. They are cared for just like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
• Versatility: Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth, providing versatile solutions for various degrees of tooth loss.
• Stable Facial Structure: By preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, dental implants help preserve facial contours and prevent the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.