From initial consultation to the day of the surgery, knowing what to expect with your upcoming dental implant procedure is important. We want you to feel completely well-informed in the process of getting dental implants so you can be comfortable with each step. Understanding the process will also help you to ask the right questions at your consultation appointment.
Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth or teeth that need to be extracted. Weakened teeth that are no longer viable, teeth that have fallen out due to injury or extremely decayed teeth can all be replaced with a dental implant.
For patients who are missing multiple or all of their teeth, dental implants are an option. In combination with bridges or prosthetic rows of teeth, implants can be used to replace many missing teeth.
Get to know all the steps of the process before getting a dental implant placed.
At the very initial appointment, the dentist will first perform a full examination, visual and otherwise. X-rays will be used to determine a few key factors: the health of the mouth, that there is enough jawbone left for successful implant placement and to track the progress of any existing teeth issues.
At this appointment, the dentist will discuss the wishes of the patient, such as how they want their implant restoration to look. If there is only one tooth to replace, patients usually choose a ceramic crown as they are the most lifelike restoration. Patients missing multiple teeth may opt for a bridge or other type of prosthesis. A detailed treatment plan complete with restoration options will be tailored to each case.
At the consultation, the dentist will also take a look at the medical history of the patient. If the patient has any kind of health issue, it might interfere with successful implant placement. If it is determined that there is not enough bone density in the jaw to place the implant, the dentist may recommend a grafting procedure prior to the implant surgery.
Once the dentist has given the go ahead and all parameters have been set, the first appointment will be scheduled. Before any procedure begins, the oral surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to make sure the patient does not feel any pain during the operation. If the tooth in question needs to be removed, it will be done at this appointment.
Then comes the placement of the dental implant. First, the oral surgeon will make a small incision to open the gums and expose the jawbone. Holes are strategically drilled into the bone where the implant post (this part acts as the new tooth roots) will be placed. The post is then inserted into the bone.
Depending on the complexity of the extraction and/or implant surgery, expect this appointment to take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Most patients will be able to drive home from their implant procedure, as a local anesthetic is usually used rather than a general anesthetic.
After a period of months determined by the oral surgeon that is usually no longer than 9 months, the post has fused with the bone. At this point, the abutment is ready to be placed. The gums are opened once again, and the abutment is secured on top of the metal post, just above the gumline. Next, an impression will be made of the teeth to make the custom restoration.
The gums will need to heal around the newly placed abutment. This usually takes about 2 weeks. At this time, the permanent restoration will be ready for placement.
Shopping around for tooth replacement options can be dizzying. Let us help you on your way to a completed smile. Give our office a call today to set up a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Regardless of why you are missing teeth, dental implants can be an effective solution. Comprising a post, abutment and crown, implants are natural-looking and help preserve your mouth’s functions. If you take care of these artificial teeth, they should serve your needs for years to come.Unlike other tooth-replacement solutions such as dentures, the patient cannot…
Dental implants are highly recommended when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace teeth and their roots. Other prosthetics like dentures and bridges simply replace the visible part of the tooth.Implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw and left there to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The…
When a patient has dental implants, follow-up visits are important. Many patients need to have replacement teeth for a variety of reasons. You may have gotten them because you lost several teeth due to a traumatic accident, or you may have been on medication that caused your teeth to deteriorate. Regardless of how you lost your…
You can get a dental implant (or multiple dental implants) in less than six months. While many patients understand the benefits of a dental implant, many often avoid treatment out of fear that the process is too invasive or takes too long. This review explains what you can expect throughout the treatment process. Getting a dental…
Learning the difference between professional teeth whitening and generic whitening options is important for anyone…
The dental professional may recommend periodontics to prevent potential dental emergencies in the future.
Tired of a broken tooth ruining your smile? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to…
With clear braces, patients should avoid certain foods that can stain or cause the braces…
The dentist can fix a range of concerns with dental bonding, including most minor instances…
Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…