Dental Implants

The Dental Implant Process

Step-by-step guide to restoring your smile with dental implants.

Dental implant surgery involves replacing natural tooth roots with artificial roots using metal, screw-like posts that hold an artificial tooth, such as a crown or bridge. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type of implant and the condition of the patient’s jawbone. This is discussed during the consultation appointment and the patient should have a good understanding of their procedure type prior to surgery.

The implant procedure typically consists of several stages and treatments with recovery periods in between. The process involves a series of steps:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement

During the day of the procedure, the patient will be put under an anesthetic to eliminate pain or discomfort during and after the treatment. We make a small cut to open the gums and expose the bone underneath. Then, we drill holes into the bone to make space for the dental implant(s). The implant post is ready for the application of the artificial tooth replacement.

Home Care After the Dental Implant

Essential tips for maintaining your dental implant and promoting healing at home.

Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process, but it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine. To recover quickly and minimize discomfort after implant placement, implement the following home care techniques:

• Stick to a soft diet. Avoid foods that are hard to chew, high in sugar, or high in carbohydrates. Also, avoid any beverages that may irritate the affected area, primarily drinking water.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush gently several times each day and use mouthwash as directed by the dentist. Gentle brushing reduces the risk of oral infection, gum inflammation, and increased discomfort.
• Avoid physical activity. Physical activity such as sports, weight lifting, and running, may aggravate the affected area. The risk of aggravating the affected area is especially high if one receives a blow to the face. Talk to the dentist about what activities patients need during recovery.

Proper home care is essential to a quick recovery. It might be ideal to miss work for a short amount of time after implant placement and give yourself time to make the necessary arrangements for a convenient recovery process.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Discover the life-changing advantages of dental implants for your smile and oral health.

Dental implants can be a good choice for many patients with missing teeth. Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. Here are some key benefits of dental implants:

• Comfortable: Dental implants act as tooth roots and stay firmly in place. This firm foundation makes them more comfortable than dentures and other replacement tooth options. Many patients report that implants feel similar to their natural teeth.
• Functional: The stability of implants makes them effective for eating, talking, and cleaning. They function similarly to the teeth they are replacing. Less permanent options may interfere more with daily life.
• Permanent: Dental implants are one of the most permanent tooth replacement options. They can last a lifetime with good care. Additionally, fixed replacement teeth on implants do not need to be removed every day for cleaning.
• Natural-looking: Implant-supported replacement teeth look like natural teeth. The visible part of the dental implant is a cosmetic crown made from a composite material that is color-matched to the patient’s tooth enamel. It can be hard to tell the difference. Many patients enjoy dental implants’ aesthetic appeal, as others cannot tell the difference between the replacement and natural teeth.