The Dental Implant Journey: What to Expect From Placement to Final Smile
Steps in the Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are among the most widely used restorative dental treatments. They provide a natural-looking, permanent replacement for missing teeth that addresses both appearance and function. If you’re looking for a solution for missing teeth, here’s what you can expect at each step of the dental implant process.
Consultation and Planning
Your dental implant journey starts with a thorough consultation with your dentist. While implants are highly versatile, there are important details to check to determine whether you’re a candidate. The consultation will entail a complete dental evaluation and imaging, along with a discussion about your smile concerns and goals.
Evaluating bone structure is a key aspect of determining whether dental implants are right for you. These implants are embedded in the jawbone, and they require a strong foundation. If your jawbone has deteriorated after living with missing teeth or has been affected by other factors, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants.
Bone grafting is sometimes an option to augment the jawbone and allow for implants. However, it will extend your treatment timeline. The number and placement of dental implants, treatment timeline, and other details are all carefully customized to suit your unique situation.
During the consultation, you will also discuss other factors, such as dental implant cost. Implants are a complex treatment that requires surgical placement, so they can involve high fees. You can discuss insurance and other options to pay for your care with your dentist.
Implant Placement
Depending on your treatment plan, you may require procedures before implant placement, such as bone grafting or treatment for gum disease. Once your dentist is satisfied that you are ready to proceed with the procedure, you will have your dental implant placement surgery.
Dental implants are titanium posts that have screw-like bases. They are placed during a surgical procedure, which can require different levels of sedation depending on your specific case and the length of the procedure. If you need multiple implants, it is typically preferred to place them in one session whenever possible.
Your dentist will make an incision in the gums to access the jawbone. The implant is then placed using its screw-like base. The gum tissue is brought back into place and closed with sutures.
After placement, you will need to wait several months until the final tooth restoration placement. This is essential to allow the implant to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, ensuring the strongest possible hold.
Healing and Temporary Tooth (if Needed)
Like other restorative dentistry treatments, there is some recovery time after dental implant surgery. You may experience discomfort and swelling for a few days and some soreness for up to 10 days. You’ll be comfortable after this initial period, but it will still take several months for the implant to fully integrate.
Depending on your specific case and type of dental implant, you may be given a temporary crown or denture. This can provide a more natural appearance while you wait for the final dental restoration, and helps improve eating and speaking function as well.
Your specific healing time depends on a variety of factors. Bone density, overall health, and the number of implants placed can all change the length of your treatment. Your dentist will monitor your progress throughout healing to ensure proper implant integration and determine when you are ready for final placement.
Abutment and Final Crown
Once healing is complete, you’ll return for the final dental restoration placement. This involves opening the gum tissue again to access the dental implant and attach the crown or denture.
A piece called the abutment is attached to the dental implant itself. A custom implant crown is then fixed to the abutment. Your crown will be personalized to match your natural teeth in terms of shape and shade, making it practically impossible to notice that it’s a replacement.
In many cases, patients receive multiple dental implants for implant-supported dentures. A row or entire arch of replacement teeth will attach to the dental implants, providing a solid base that avoids the movement and discomfort associated with removable dentures.
Your dentist will provide specific instructions for taking care of your new replacement teeth. That typically means keeping up with oral hygiene, avoiding biting excessively hard things, and maintaining regularly scheduled appointments to spot any potential issues as early as possible.
The Finale: A Confident Smile That Lasts
Getting dental implants is a process that takes time and commitment. However, they deliver lasting results you simply can’t find with other treatment options. In terms of strength, natural appearance, and oral health, getting dental implants near Greensboro, North Carolina, could be the best decision for your smile. Schedule your consultation at Farless Dental Group to get started.
