Dental Implants


Dental implants are long-term replacements that are surgically placed in the jawbone. A typical implant involves surgically placing a sprue or stud in the jawbone, providing ample time for the surrounding tissue to heal and the bone to actually grow around and adhere (integrate) with the sprue, a process that may take several months occur. After the sprue has integrated, however, the procedure is completed with the placement of a porcelain or acrylic restoration on the base of the sprue.

The technology involved, although complex, has evolved over the years to the point that initial and long-term success rates exceed the life of many crown and bridge placements. Ten year success rates for non-smokers are presently between 90 and95 percent. In fact, the reliability of implants has reached the point that many dental insurers now cover at least a portion of the cost of implant surgery.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons:

69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

Traditional restoration involves options ranging from crown and bridge work to partial or full dentures, the life of which generally ranges from seven to fifteen years. Although these procedures continue to benefit a majority of patients, the extended life-span and available cost sharing provided by many dental insurers now make implants a very attractive option.

Implants may also be used to secure traditional dentures, by providing a secure attachment. The advantage is simple, removable dentures have a tendency to slip. With implants, rather than simply "floating" on the gum line, clip attachments, embedded in the denture, mate with the implant sprue holding the denture firmly in place.



Implants Require Careful Treatment Planning

The decision to include one or more implants in a treatment plan involves many factors and can only be determined after careful consideration and close consultation with the patient.

After arriving at a suitable treatment plan, we will coordinate surgical placement of the implant with a qualified oral surgeon. The implant surgeon will be responsible for correct placement in concert with your dentist at Deadwood Dental. Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and may take between an hour and a half to three hours to complete.

Healing and integration of the implant(s) with the jawbone will occur over several months in a process called osseointegration. We will periodically check the progress of the implant(s), and at the appropriate time will anchor the restoration(s) to the implant(s). Since the implants supporting the restoration are integrated, which means they are biomechanically stable and strong, the patient will immediately able to masticate (chew) normally.

Although an overview of dental implants is provided in this section of the website, care is always individually tailored to address particular needs of and then only after close consultation with the patient.  

Please feel free to discuss any questions you may have regarding the content in our website with either Dr. Hopper or Dr. Mills.  Either will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.  

You may reach the clinic at 605-578-3810 or 800-641-2035, or
email us at: deadwooddental@mato.com