Losing one or more teeth can take a serious toll on your confidence. As you attempt to adapt, this loss may also hurt your oral health and quality of life. But you can restore your smile and oral function with a reliable replacement option like dental implants. Unlike other options, implants provide unmatched stability and function.
But how exactly does this process work, and is it the right option for your smile? If you’re considering investing in this advanced dental procedure, understanding the steps in the process can help quell anxiety and prepare you for the process ahead. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the journey so you know what to expect at every stage.
The Initial Consultation and Planning Phase
Every dental implant journey begins with an initial, thorough consultation. During your first visit with a dentist, they will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and take imaging to assess your bone density and gum health. This step is crucial in determining whether you’re a good candidate for implants or if you’ll need preliminary treatments.
In some cases, you may require a bone graft if your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support your implants. If you have gum disease or other oral health conditions, this will need to be treated before you can carry on with the implant process. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan once you’ve been treated for these conditions.
During this process, you’ll determine how many implants you’ll get, the anticipated timeline, and what to expect during the following stages of the process. During this phase, you should ask questions, discuss sedation options, and understand the overall cost and insurance coverage. Being well-informed early on helps you move through the dental implant process with ease.
Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafting
Extraction will be the next step in this process if you’re using a dental implant to replace a damaged or dying tooth that hasn’t yet been removed. This is often a straightforward procedure done under local anesthesia. After the tooth is extracted, your dentist will examine your jawbone to determine if you’ll need additional grafting to stabilize the implant.
Bone grafting might sound intimidating, but it is a routine part of the dental implant process. Your dentist will use a synthetic material or bone from another part of your body to strengthen the jaw. Depending on the size or complexity of the graft, healing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you can place the implant.
If no bone graft is needed, or once the graft has healed, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of the dental implant process. It is important that you take adequate care of your mouth while it heals from this step, as any infection may push back the implant process. Make sure to follow your dentist’s prescribed aftercare plan to keep your mouth safe.
Implant Placement and Healing
Your dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. Your dentist will surgically insert the post into your jawbone beneath the gum line. This procedure is generally done under local anesthesia, though some patients find that sedation is required to remain comfortable throughout the process.
Once the implant post is placed, osseointegration begins. During this process, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, creating a stable and secure foundation for your dental implant. The length of this process varies but usually takes about three to six months. During this time, your dentist may fit you with temporary crowns or dentures to preserve the function of your smile.
Your dental team will schedule several follow-up appointments during this step in the process to monitor healing and ensure there are no complications. It is essential that you follow a comprehensive oral hygiene routine and avoid tobacco products during the healing stage. Failing to follow this advice may lead to complications or slower healing time.
Abutment and Final Restoration
Once your dental implant post is securely integrated, the next step is placing the abutment. This piece connects the post to the implant. During this process, your dentist will reopen the gums to attach the abutment. While it might seem like a frustrating step backward, healing only takes a couple of weeks before you can get the final implant.
After healing, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create custom crowns, bridges, or dentures. This restoration is designed to match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color, ensuring a seamless look. When the final restoration is ready, your dentist will attach it to the abutment.
At this stage, your dentist will provide care instructions for your dental implant and schedule regular checkups to ensure the implant and surrounding tissue remains healthy. With proper maintenance, implants can last 20 or more years. While they are an expensive upfront investment, they are the perfect addition to your smile.
Regain Confidence in Your Smile at Jenson Dental
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, the path to restoring your smile doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a reliable provider in the Brigham City area, turn to our team at Jenson Dental for support. When you work with our team, we guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to the final smile transformation.
Our experienced team uses advanced technology and compassionate care to ensure this process goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible. We’re here to answer any questions, explain your options, and tailor your treatment plan to fit your needs and goals. With Jenson Dental on your side, you can trust that your dental implants will look and feel great.
If you would like to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more confident, functional smile, contact our team today.
