If you’ve decided on dental implants to fix your smile, you’ve made a good choice. But what can you expect with the process? Dr. Heather Adams, an experienced dentist in Rogers, AR, can make sure you’re informed of the process and that everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to know.

The Initial Consultation

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Adams. She will examine your mouth and take X-rays or a CBCT scan. These images show the health of your jawbone, gums, and remaining teeth.

During this visit, Dr. Adams will ask about your medical history, goals, budget, and timeline. Every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be personalized to your unique needs.

This is also the time to ask questions. You might ask: How long will the process take? Will I be in pain? What happens if my implant fails? Dr. Adams will answer all your questions honestly and thoroughly.

Preparatory Work

Before you can get dental implants, any existing dental issues must be addressed. This is an important step that many patients do not expect.

• Bone grafting. If you have been missing a tooth for a long time, your jawbone may have shrunk. The titanium post needs enough bone to fuse with. If you do not have enough bone, Dr. Adams may recommend a bone graft. This procedure builds up the area so it can support an implant. It adds a few months to the timeline but makes implants possible for many patients.
• Gum disease treatment. If you have gum disease, it must be treated before implants can be placed. Healthy gums are essential for implant success. Dr. Adams will treat any gum issues first. Once your gums are healthy, you can move forward.
• Tooth extraction. If you still have a damaged or decayed tooth in the area, it may need to be removed. Dr. Adams can often extract the tooth and place the implant on the same day. This is called immediate placement.

Implant Placement

Once your mouth is ready, the implant placement surgery takes place. This is the step that many patients worry about. But it is usually easier than you expect.

Dr. Adams will numb the area with local anesthesia. If you are anxious, she offers sedation options. You can relax while she works.

She will make a small incision in your gum. Then she will drill a tiny hole in your jawbone. The titanium post is gently placed into the hole. Then she closes the gum over the post.

Most patients say the procedure is less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. You may feel some pressure but not sharp pain.

The surgery typically takes one to two hours per implant. The length of time depends on how many implants you are receiving.

Healing and Osseointegration

After the surgery, the healing process begins. This is one of the most important parts of the implant process. It is called osseointegration.

Osseointegration is when your bone fuses to the titanium post. This creates a strong, permanent bond. It takes three to six months for this process to complete.

During this time, you may wear a temporary dental crown. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile normally while you heal.

You should stick to soft foods for a few days after surgery. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the area. Dr. Adams will give you specific instructions for care.

You can usually resume gentle brushing the day after surgery. Flossing may need to wait until your gums heal. Follow Dr. Adams’s instructions carefully.

Abutment and Crown

Once healing is complete, you return to the office for the next step. Dr. Adams will place an abutment on the implant. An abutment is a small connector piece. It attaches to the post and holds your new crown.

To place the abutment, Dr. Adams makes a small opening in your gum. The abutment is screwed into the post. Then she allows your gums to heal around it for a few weeks.

After your gums heal, Dr. Adams takes impressions of your teeth. She sends these impressions to a dental lab that creates your custom crown. The crown is color-matched to your surrounding teeth to blend in perfectly.

When the crown arrives, you return to the office. Dr. Adams attaches the crown to the abutment. She checks the fit, the color, and your bite. She makes small adjustments if needed.

The result is a natural-looking, fully functional tooth. You can eat, smile, and speak with confidence.

Cost and Financing

The cost of dental implants varies. It depends on your personal situation and dental health needs. Factors that affect cost include:

• The number of implants you need
• The type of implant post used
• Whether you need bone grafting or other preparatory work
• The type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture)

Dr. Adams will provide a detailed treatment plan with costs before you begin. She can also discuss financing options. Many patients find that the long-term benefits of implants outweigh the upfront cost.

Begin The Implant Process Today

Now that you know the answer to “What can I expect when getting dental implants” , you can make an informed decision. Dr. Heather Adams is ready to help you achieve a complete, confident smile.

Call her office today at (479) 323-3011. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your new smile