Dental Implants in Whitehorse

For over half a century, dental implants have been utilized to substitute damaged or decayed teeth. Modern dental implants are biocompatible titanium screws embedded into the jaw bone. Dental implants support abutments and porcelain dental restorations, such as: 

• Crowns
• Partials and bridges
• Dentures

Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth in function, form, and appearance. Dental implants have an over 95% success rate with proper implantation and healing.

Dental Implant Preparation

Before surgery, patients receive an initial consultation and comprehensive exam from our detail-oriented dental team. We take digital x-rays of the teeth and develop a customized, patient-centric dental implant surgery plan.

Once we verify that the patient is a good candidate for surgery, we schedule a dental implant operation. We recommend sedation and anesthesia during this surgery to increase comfort. Sedation may cause the patient to feel groggy or tired after surgery. Patients will need to arrange a ride to and from our dental clinic in Whitehorse.

Components of Surgery

Dental implants are a life-changing treatment with multiple steps and healing periods in between. For dental implants to be successful, osseointegration must occur. Osseointegration is the fusing of the jaw bone and the metal dental implant. After osseointegration, the dental implant will act as the natural tooth root. Dental implants hold the restoration in place permanently (even with the daily forces of chewing and eating).

Sedation

Before oral surgery, we recommend sedation to make the experience more bearable. We offer three types of sedation at Riverstone Dental: 

• Nitrous oxide
• Oral sedation
• Intravenous (IV) sedation

Bone Grafting

The jawbone frames the face and holds the teeth in place. Bone loss can stem from many causes (including periodontal disease, trauma, or genetics). When patients lack adequate bone density, they must receive a bone graft before dental implant surgery. Bone grafting is not a choice, but the source of bone tissue is based on personal preference and comfort level. 

Bone grafting increases the height and width of the jawbone. Some standard regenerative bone grafting practices are: 

• Sinus lift (or elevation) increases the height of the maxilla (upper jawbone). 
• Jawbone augmentation adds volume to the mandible (lower jawbone).

Dental Implant Surgery

During phase I of dental implant surgery, the remaining tooth and tooth roots are carefully removed if needed. An incision is made in the gum line to expose the jawbone. Our oral surgeons create a hole in the bone for the titanium implant. If possible, a temporary prosthesis is placed in the space above the gums. This temporary prosthesis immediately restores the aesthetics of the smile while osseointegration occurs.

After osseointegration, the permanent restoration will be fitted during the second phase of implant surgery. This final process is virtually painless and quick, revealing a natural, functional smile.

Recovery Period 

It is important to note that dental implants can take up to a year to heal completely. Our knowledgeable dental team will provide instructions on dealing with any obstacles (such as managing pain, infection, and diet changes) during the recovery period.

Call (867) 668-6077 to schedule a dental implant consultation in Whitehorse if you have questions or concerns regarding dental implant surgery.