Dental implants are becoming more popular in today's dental society for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.  With dental implants you can have the food of your choice and feel confident about your smile.

Benefits

Procedure
The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gum-line. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. A removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance..

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth. This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment. This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.

Cone Beam Technology
Why guess when you can know. The cone beam system is the latest sophisticated technology addition to our office. It allows Dr. Marcarian to evaluate, diagnose, and formulate surgical, orthodontic, and restorative treatment planning based on accurate and precise measurements of skeletal structures. 

The 3D imaging technology provides excellent forensic record of missing and filled teeth as compared to the traditional flat map view of the past. The Periapical, Bitewing, and panoramic system of the past provided some educated guesswork used when making clincal diagnosis.

In fact, the exposure is 5 to 20 times less radiation compared to medical CAT scan of the same structure. 

Dr. Marcarian uses cone beam technology to access the full extent of implant patient bone's quality and quantity. Then, the dental implant procedure is planned out on the computer using 3D imaging before the implant placement.  This is the safest and most predictable way of approaching implant dentistry.

Cone beam technology requires only a fraction of what a CAT scan uses to produce a 3D image.  We believe in radiation safety and therefore we provide the 3D scan in our office for our patients to avoid using CAT scan. 

Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of placing an implant may vary depending on the results of diagnostic model(s) (study model of your teeth), x-rays or CT scan (showing available bone structure), and/or fabrication of a surgical guide to aid in placement of the implants. If you have enough bone you will be a great candidate. A thorough assessment of your present health condition is necessary when determining the cost of implants. However, if you have insurance, it may pay towards the cost. Be advised about ads that offer low fees as it is impossible to determine the cost without proper evaluation of your health condition. The cost can range from $1,250 to $1,800. In our office, we emphasize quality, service, and patient care. Our fees are very competitive for the type of service you receive. We also use US manufactured dental implants and parts. You can call the office for an evaluation appointment to find out what the cost would be in your case.