Implant Procedures

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, your dentist will complete a thorough examination, including x-rays; to evaluate your situation and determine the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs.  Your dentists will also review your health history to make sure that there are no medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for dental implant treatment.

Surgical Evaluation

Following the initial consultation with your dentist, you will be referred to Dr. Goeckermann for a surgical evaluation. During this appointment, the doctor will evaluate the integrity of available bone and determine the number of implants necessary to support your new replacement teeth. 

3D imaging is often recommended to provide a more detailed view of your teeth and the surrounding bone and facial structures.  This type of radiographic scan is used to determine the need for any additional procedures that would improve the final functional and esthetic result.

Your surgeon will provide the results of your surgical evaluation for your dentist and they will collaborate to develop a treatment plan to meet your individual functional and esthetic needs.

1. Surgical Implant Placement

The doctors utilize a specialized gentle surgical technique to place the dental implants in the bone.  Over a period of several weeks following implant placement, the bone remodels around the implants, forming a strong biological bond, which will become the foundation for your new replacement teeth. During this time, you will have some type of temporary replacement teeth, depending upon your specific situation.

2. Abutment Attachment 

Once the bone has adhered to the dental implants and formed a strong bond, a small connector post will be attached to each implant.  These posts are called abutments.  They are used to connect the implants to the replacement teeth.

3.  Fabrication of Replacement Teeth

After the abutments are attached to the dental implants, impressions are taken of your teeth and abutments.  The impression will be sent to a dental lab where an experienced technician will fabricate the final replacement teeth. Your dentist will attach the replacement teeth and make any adjustments necessary for proper fit. 

For a more comprehensive understanding of dental implant treatment, visit The Dental Implant Guide or AAOMS/Implant Surgery