When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are truly in a class of their own. Since they are durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking, they are clearly the best solution available if you have experienced tooth loss. They also offer numerous oral health benefits and are surprisingly easy to maintain. But just how do dental implants work? Let’s take a brief look at how your journey to a brand-new smile with dental implants will work.
During your consultation, our team will conduct a thorough exam, including digital x-rays, of your mouth and jaw. We’ll also ask you about your smile goals and habits. Together, this information should be enough to determine whether dental implants are a suitable treatment for you. If we decide the answer is yes, we’ll educate you about any specific steps you may need to take before receiving the implants. Some patients require preliminary procedures, such as gum disease therapy or a bone graft, before implants become a viable option. Other patients can proceed directly to scheduling the implant surgery.
Your specially trained implant dentist, Dr. Smith, can perform the dental implant placement surgery right here in our dental office. This procedure has been perfected to be as minimally invasive as possible. Dr. Smith will create a small incision in the gum tissue and gently insert the dental implants as needed throughout the jawbone. Thanks to local anesthetic and possibly also sedation, you should feel perfectly comfortable during your procedure. After Dr. Smith closes the incisions, your body will naturally begin the process of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is a truly remarkable process. It entails your jawbone actually growing around the titanium implant post over a period of a few months. This process creates a sturdy foundation that will allow your new smile to stand the test of time. After the implant has permanently fused to the bone, we will place abutments on top of the implants. Abutments are small pieces of metal that connect the implants to your custom restorations, whether that be a crown, bridge, or denture.
This final step of the process involves you finally getting your new teeth! We will craft a custom-made restoration that fits right over your implant and abutment. Before placing it, we’ll make sure it provides you with a powerful enough bite that you can be satisfied with. Once you’re happy with your new prosthesis, we’ll send you on your merry way to enjoy your brand-new smile.
If you’re ready to solve the problem of your tooth loss, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a dental implant consultation today!
