Laura's Implant Story

Are you considering dental implants? Let me share my personal experience... I am one of the dental assistants that work here with Dr. Kindem and Dr. Bennett. If you are considering having a dental implant, you might be interested in reading about my personal experience of receiving an implant! I had an open space in my lower jaw for about ten years. I have a congenitally missing bicuspid, which means the tooth never formed at all. I managed to keep my "baby-tooth" until I was in my mid-thirties, though it always pinched and wiggled a bit. Eventually I decided to get braces to straighten out some crowding, and the baby-tooth was removed. I wore a retainer to keep the space open, because the teeth behind the space (farther back) would naturally drift and tilt forward.

When Dr. Kindem complete his post graduate implant training course, we were all excited! Now he would be able to place dental implants himself, right here in our office. That was exciting news! We'd been sending people to the oral surgeon to have implants placed. Now many implants could be placed in our office, with the staff that folks already know, and more affordably than a specialist, too. Next it was time for me to assist Dr. Kindem as he placed implants. He taught me how to set up for the procedure and what to hand him, as well as how to be supportive of our patients. I was very impressed by the process, and started to get very interested in having my own implant placed!

Dr. Kindem evaluated my tooth-space by taking an impression to examine how much bone width I had. He also took an x-ray to see the available space "from the inside out." I was pleased to learn I was a good candidate for an implant. It was a very positive experience for me. I was not at all uncomfortable during the procedure - I listened to music on headphones and relaxed. I drove myself home afterward, and ate a light dinner that night. I took some regular ibuprofen before bed, but I didn't really need it! Dr. Kindem called my home to check on me (our doctors often call to check on patients after significant procedures) and I was glad to tell him that I was very comfortable. The next day I went on an all-day field trip with my son's fourth grade class...so, you can see, I never missed a beat! After the procedure I had a little "healing cap" that was flush with the surface of my gums. It hardly felt any different than the "tooth space" that I was accustomed to.

Laura's Actual X-Ray What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

After six months my implant was evaluated to determine that it had integrated with my jaw bone. Then it was time to take an impression, and two weeks later my new implant crown was seated. Goodbye space, and goodbye retainer! I received my new "tooth" just in time for my high school reunion! My family can't even tell which tooth is the implant. (Can you?) We'd love to answer your questions! Dr. Kindem and Dr. Bennett would be happy to discuss implants with you. Dental implant placement by your own family dentist is a fantastic opportunity to improve and maintain your dental function and appearance.