Breaking Down the Dental Implant Process Timeline

Are you thinking about dental implants to restore your smile and gain confidence? In this guide, we will take you step-by-step through the dental implant process timeline. From the initial consultation to restoration – so that you feel well-informed and prepared every step of the way.

Deciding to get implants is a significant step toward improving both oral health and overall well-being. The process requires some patience, though, because it may not happen in a single visit. The results of a permanent, natural-appearing implant tooth, will make the procedure worthwhile. Yet you likely have questions regarding the process and what lies ahead for you on this journey.

Why You Might Need a Dental Implant

There are several reasons that you might need to have a dental implant. First, the most common reason is needing an extraction of a single tooth. The implant replaces the missing tooth with a prosthetic. Because your bone grows around the base of the implant, it fits permanently in your mouth and does not move.

Another reason for needing implants is as sites to secure dental bridges or dentures. By using implants to hold these fixtures into place, they feel more natural and don’t cover the roof of your mouth or need glues or strips to hold them in place. Your smile will look and feel more secure with implant-held partials or dentures.

Lastly, if you wonder “are dental implants permanent” the answer is resounding yes.

Advantages of a Dental Implant

Dental implants offer several advantages that balance out the process required to have them placed in your mouth. First, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. They will not fall out or develop cavities. After implantation of the post, the jaw grows to hold it in place, the same way that your jaw holds other teeth in your mouth. Consequently, the implant becomes just like a natural tooth.

Secondly, you don’t need to remove the implant for cleaning. Brush and floss it as you do your natural teeth to remove stains and keep the surrounding teeth healthy. With easier dental care, you have one less thing to worry about when you choose to get a dental implants in Matthews NC.

Your mouth does not experience gaps or crowding between your teeth after an extraction when you have a dental implant placed. Because your surrounding teeth don’t move after the extraction, you reduce the need for adult braces or other alignment methods to correct your smile.

When using dental implants to replace multiple teeth, you don’t experience bone loss as you would if you chose traditional dentures. Implants actually encourage bone growth in the jaw.

Another advantage of using implants for multiple teeth is their strength. You don’t need to change your diet when you wear implants. Therefore, it’s easier to get fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables in your diet to stay healthier.

Lastly, dentures secured to implants don’t need glue to hold in place. They look and feel more natural. Plus, they don’t move in your mouth, reducing the chances that your eating habits or speaking abilities will change.

Besides all the advantages listed above, it is crucial to ask your dentist about the disadvantages of dental implants as well.

The Dental Implant Process Timeline

The process of getting a dental implant starts with the extraction of the tooth that you need to have pulled. After this step, the exact process will depend on the number of implants you need and the state of the bone in your mouth. Feel free to talk to the dentist during the consultation if you have any questions about the dental implant process timeline for your case. Overall, from extraction to completion, you may need several months, depending on the additional procedures needed and your body’s healing time.

Initial Consultation

 Your journey toward dental implants begins with a comprehensive consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. During this visit, they will evaluate your oral health and the feasibility of dental implants before performing any further diagnostic testing. X-rays or CT scans may be conducted to assess bone density and structure within your jawbones.

Treatment Plan

Once it has been determined you qualify as a candidate for dental implants, an individualized treatment plan will be developed specifically to meet your individual needs. This plan will detail how many implants are necessary, their type, and any additional procedures (bone grafting/ sinus lifts/etc) necessary to ensure their success.

Extraction

Next, you will need the removal of the damaged tooth that the implant will replace. This procedure will require some post-extraction healing time. The dental surgeon may also determine if you need a bone graft to add enough bone material for the implant to hold onto.

Bone Grafting

Not everyone will need a bone graft to add material to the jawbone. However, if you need this step, you may have a few weeks or months added to the timeline for the new bone material to take hold and grow. Your dental surgeon will know whether you need a bone graft to accommodate the implant.

Implant Insertion

After your dentist feels comfortable that you have enough bone for the implant, typically 2-3 months after placement, they will put the base of the implant into place. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. This base looks like a screw that holds tightly to the bone as the jaw grows around it. You might need a temporary top placed over the implant as you wait for the bone to grow around it.

Healing

After implant placement, a period of healing must pass to allow for proper osseointegration of the implants. The surrounding bone in an osseointegration process may take weeks or even months depending on individual healing factors and the complexity of the case.

While healing occurs, temporary restorations may be worn to maintain aesthetics and functionality during this time. Talk to your dentist about any temporary dietary changes you need to make. Many patients need to adopt a soft diet during the healing portions of their dental implant process.

Finalizing the Abutment and Crown

Once the implants have integrated with your jawbone, abutments will be attached. Abutments are small connectors that protrude above the gumline, serving as anchors for final restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures which will be secured onto their abutments. Taking impressions of your mouth will allow us to fabricate custom crowns, bridges, or dentures which will then be secured using these anchors.

Final Restorations

The last step in the dental implant process involves placing permanent restorations. Your dentist will make sure that these restorations fit comfortably and securely so you can enjoy your new smile for many years to come.

Post-Placement Care

Following the placement of dental implants, it’s vitally important to practice proper oral hygiene habits and attend routine check-ups with your dentist to ensure long-term success. Proper maintenance will help ensure their long-term success while maintaining the overall wellness of surrounding teeth and gums.

Contact Us at Matthew Family Dentistry for Dental Implants or Other Oral Health Care

The dental implant process can be an intricate journey that requires planning, execution, and dedication to oral health. By understanding its timeline and what to expect at each stage, you can approach it with confidence and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

For a consultation to see if you can get a dental implant or for more information about “what are mini dental implants“, contact us at Matthews Family Dentistry in Matthews, NC.

We provide dental services for the entire family, including sleep apnea treatment, cosmetic dental procedures, and restorative dentistry. Trust your entire family and your dental health to our team at Matthews Family Dentistry.