Dental Implants ProcessAn Overview
The process of receiving a dental restoration that is secured by implants will involve more time and visits when compared to getting traditional restorations. The exact amount of time it takes, however, depends on many factors including the number of missing teeth you have and their location.
Despite the process taking longer, dental implants offer many more benefits and are the best long-term solution for tooth loss. Dr. Heather Adams is a local restorative dentist that offers all types of dental implants in Rogers, AR for her patients looking for a more permanent solution for their missing teeth. Below is a breakdown of what to expect at each step in the dental implant process.
Dental Implants Process What to Expect
The Dental Implant Process
- Initial consultation: You will first meet with Dr. Adams to see if you qualify for dental implants. You will get a chance to discuss your concerns and agree upon a solution. Dr. Adams will thoroughly evaluate your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health to make sure dental implants are a good fit for you. She will then develop a personalized treatment plan where every step of your implant process is planned out. Our office staff will coordinate every stage of your implant treatment with local Rogers, AR dental specialists.
- Pre-treatments: Some patients may need to undergo treatments to correct issues before moving on to the surgical implantation. The purpose here is to create an environment that is healthy so that your implants can properly heal. Patients who do not have enough bone structure may need a bone graft to ensure there is enough bone to support the implants. Some patients may find out they have gum disease and will treatment first. The healing time after these procedures will extend the amount of time the whole dental implant process will take. If you do not need any of this done, you can move straight to the surgical implantation and expect the whole process to take about six to eight months.
- Surgical placement of the implant(s): A local specialist will surgically place your dental implants in accordance with your treatment plan. It typically takes about an hour to place a single implant. If you are getting multiple implants, it will take longer depending on how many implants are being placed. You will be offered dental sedation or a local anesthetic for this simple procedure.
- Osseointegration: It will take about three to six months for a process called osseointegration to take place. This is where the implants will fuse with the surrounding jaw bone creating a strong foundation for your new teeth. During this time a temporary dental restoration may be placed depending on the location of your missing teeth.
- Abutment attachment: Once you are healed, the dental implant will be capped with a small piece called an abutment. You will need to let your gums heal after the abutment placement. This piece will anchor the final restoration in place.
- Dental restoration fabrication: We will take impressions of your mouth and teeth which will be used to fabricate your dental restoration. It usually takes a dental lab a few weeks to make and send the restorations back to our Rockville, AR dentist office.
- Securing the restoration to the implant(s): At this appointment, Dr. Adams will attach your new restoration to the implants. She will check for color and fit and will make any minor adjustments if necessary.
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