Your journey to a complete smile with dental implants can be completed in a few steps. Some treatment plans may differ, depending on the type of implants you receive. Your dentist will explain your procedure to you at your first appointment.
A standard dental implant procedure can be broken down into an initial consultation, surgery, a recovery period, and the final restoration placement.
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant process is to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified implant dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and take digital X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate. They’ll discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure that the implant surgery is safe for you.
Dental Implant Surgery
The implant surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have IV sedation for added comfort. Sedation options are discussed at your initial consultation. During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums and carefully place the implant post into the jawbone. The post will be left to heal and integrate with the bone in the coming months.
Depending on your dentist, they may perform the surgery with the help of 3D technology, or even laser dentistry.
Recovery Period
During recovery, the implant post will go through the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is a natural process where the bone around the implant post begins to fuse with the jawbone. This process is essential for the implant to be secure and stable. It takes several months for osseointegration to be completed.
The healing time for osseointegration varies for each patient, but you’ll be able to return to your normal routine after a few days. You may have some discomfort or swelling for several days to a week. Your dentist will advise you on how to care for the implant site during your recovery. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully to avoid potential dental implant risks and complications from occurring.
Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.
Final Restoration Placement
Once the implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to the dentist for the final restoration placement appointment. Your custom restoration, a dental crown, bridge, or supported denture will be ready for placement. The final restoration is securely attached to the post to look and function just like a natural tooth. You’ll leave the dental office with a brand-new, beautiful smile that you’ll love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In some cases, an implant can be placed directly into the jawbone without removing any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary.
The dental implant process can take several months to complete. The implant surgery takes just a few hours, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration. On average, the process takes about four to six months.
Start Your Dental Implant Journey
Do you still have questions about the dental implant procedure? Contact our Farmington dentists today. With years of dental experience, we’ll answer any questions and help you determine if dental implants are right for you and your smile goals.