Implant Restorations

Dental implants are today’s most advanced solution to missing teeth. The procedure involves the placement of a replacement tooth (crown) over an implant (artificial tooth root). With the onset of new technologies, dental offices now offer a variety of dental implant placement procedures. A comprehensive exam is necessary to identify the specific needs for your particular situation.

Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner of Legacy Dental Health enjoys restoring dental implants. She always strives to make the end result look as natural as possible.

How Long Does It Take To Restore A Missing Tooth?

Once the dental implant is surgically placed in the bone and under the tissue, proper healing is required in between steps to ensure a positive long term prognosis. In most cases, implant placement occurs several months prior to the crown being fabricated and fitted in the space. This gives the implant more time to integrate into the bone and provide a secure foundation for the crown. If the treatment plan involves bone grafting or other site modifications, Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner will allow for more healing before moving forward with the implant placement and subsequent crown fabrication.

Sometimes it is possible to place and restore an implant in the same day providing the patient is in good health and there is an abundance of bone and tissue at the site.

How Are Implants Placed?

Implant placement and restoration varies from office to office and depends on the condition of the patient. Here’s what you can expect when you visit our dental office for implant placement:

• Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner will complete a thorough evaluation and discuss patient expectations. The treatment planning process at our office is a collaborative one. Once treatment has been decided upon and finances have been discussed, treatment can move forward. On a case by case basis, Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner will determine whether or not she will place the implant or if the patient will be referred to the oral surgeon.
• The tissue is typically reflected and the bone is prepared for implant placement. Once the implant is placed, it will be covered with the tissue and sutured up. It may take three to six months for the implant to fully integrate into the bone.
• Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner works with the best laboratory technicians to create a custom made crown that looks and feels natural.
  Special attention must be given when caring for dental implants and crowns. Patients must continue to see the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and be very diligent with their brushing and flossing at home.

At Legacy Dental Health, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dr. Katie Reardon Skinner enjoys the implant treatment planning process. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure proper implant placement, efficient healing time and an overall pain free experience.

Call us today to inquire about dental implants and see if you are a good candidate for this dental procedure.