It’s truly no exaggeration to say that getting dental implants is a life-changing experience. Not only do they provide a level of function and aesthetics that are simply not possible with other tooth replacement options, but they also offer a level of permanence and security that gives patients the confidence to smile, eat, speak, and live their lives without worry.
When you choose our office for your dental implant procedure, we promise full transparency, individualized attention, and care that is second to none. From start to finish, we invite you to read below and discover what you can expect from the dental implant process at our offices.
Your Consultation
The beginning of any great dental implant journey starts with a consultation! This gives our team the opportunity to get to know you, your smile goals, and how we can best help you achieve them. During your consultation, we will:
- Conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums
- Take X-rays and digital images as needed
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your smile goals
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Discuss the cost and financing options
If you are determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, we will move forward with the next steps of treatment. If not, we will discuss alternative tooth replacement options that may be more appropriate for your needs.
Preliminary Needs
Depending on our findings during the consultation, this step may be necessary before implant placement can be performed. If you have extensive tooth decay or periodontal disease, these issues will need to be addressed before your implants can be placed. This is because these conditions can weaken the jawbone, making it difficult for the implants to fuse properly. Other preliminary needs we may discuss include bone grafting and tooth extraction.
- Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which synthetic bone material is added to the jawbone to provide support for the implants. This is often necessary when the jawbone has been weakened by periodontal disease or tooth loss.
- Tooth extraction may also be necessary if you have any teeth that are severely decayed or damaged. These teeth will need to be removed before the implants can be placed.
Surgery
After all preliminary needs have been addressed, you will be ready for the implant placement procedure! This is typically performed as a surgical procedure under local anesthesia, but sedation options are available for patients who experience anxiety. During the procedure, we will make small incisions in the gums to access the jawbone. Once we have accessed the bone, we will place the titanium implant posts into the predetermined sockets. The incisions will then be closed with sutures, and you will be given detailed instructions for post-operative care.
Depending on the type of restoration you are having performed, we will either place a temporary full arch or healing abutment before you leave our office.
Healing
After your implants have been placed, it is important to give your mouth time to heal. This process, known as osseointegration, can take several months. During this time, the implant posts will fuse with the jawbone to create a strong and stable foundation for your new teeth. Once osseointegration is complete, you will be ready for the next steps in treatment.
Restoration
To conclude the entire process, your new restoration will be placed on top of the implant posts. This can be a dental crown, bridge, or full arch prosthetic, depending on your needs and treatment plan. The restoration is designed to match your natural teeth in both color and shape for a seamless smile that looks and feels great!