Today’s dental implant restorations are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance aids the structural and functional connection between dental implants and the living bone.
Osseointegration is the process by which the implant anchors to the jaw bone. A successful osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal.
Preparing The Jaw for Implantation:
It takes great skill from the dentist when performing this oral surgery. The jawbone receives a “pilot hole” in the space of the missing tooth.
It is important not to damage the jaw and face structure, so expertise is vital. The previous step has prepared that pilot hole for the implant screw. We know these implant procedures may sound a bit ominous. But really, with our 30 years of practicing implant dentistry, it is a common procedure. We will always answer any questions for you and enable you to know every step of the implant dentistry process. We explain what each step is and why it is necessary.
General Steps for Dental Implants:
The titanium screw serves as a vessel, known as the implant. The gum tissue secures over the implant with stitches. The healing abutment placed is the cover of the screw. This allows the site to heal.
Dental Implant Placement
The next visit is when it is likely that the dentist will uncover the implant. An abutment serves as a place to allow the future impression of the dental crown by pushing back the gum tissue.
The last stage of the dental implant process is to fabricate a dental crown for the implant. The dental crown becomes the template to which the gum will continue to grow and shape.
Aftercare For Your Dental Implant
Once an implant has been placed, maintaining good oral hygiene will ensure proper fusing with the bone structure. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. It will be important to clean them as you would your natural teeth to ensure the best possible healing and fusing.
After the initial surgical procedure, discomfort should be at a minimum. We will provide you with complete instructions regarding medication, food, drink and other preparations you may need. In addition, cleaning and maintenance instruction for your dental implants will be provided.
Please call our office should you have any concerns. With good home care and routine hygiene visits, your implant will look beautiful for a long, long time!
