Has your dentist recently recommended a dental implant procedure? Are you not quite sure what to do next? Or better yet not even knowing what you’re getting yourself into? No worries, this is usually par for the course for most patients. Are dental implants the best decision? I’ve heard that they can take several months and a few visits? Let’s walk you through the entire process so you have a better concept of what dental implants entails:
Initial Consultation & Exam
Before getting started, you will visit our office and our dentists on staff will do an extensive exam to evaluate the overall health and condition of your teeth and gums. X-rays and 3-D imaging are vital to confirm that you are a healthy candidate for dental implants. During the initial consultation, San Marcos Dental Center will tailor a treatment plan that will be the most suited for every patient.
Surgery
After the exam is completed your dentist will set up a date for your dental implant surgery.
This is the first step of the dental implant procedure. Your dentist will surgically place the titanium implant into your jawbone, right below the gum. This part usually will take 1-2 hours for each implant to be placed. Your next appointment will not usually be scheduled for 3 months away. The success of the surgery is dependent on your healing and recovery process. You need ample time to allow the dental implant to fuse with your jawbone, this will aid in helping you to have the strength and support to finalize your tooth restoration.
Recovery
Bruising, swelling, and pain are symptoms that are usually within the first weeks. It depends on how extensive your treatment is with your dental implant, along with if your teeth need to be removed in the process. The window of time between your surgery and the final restoration is critical. The complete recovery process is around 3 months.
Crown Fitting
The final step of your journey after your implant has healed, is the less invasive part of fitting the abutment and crown to the dental implant. An abutment is a small cushion that is positioned between the implant and the crown. This step includes exposing your gums so the implant may be repositioned for a great fit for the abutment and crown. After the abutment is attached and in place, your new crown can be fitted and your treatment is now complete!
In conclusion, to finish and schedule the numerous visits needed for your dental implant be prepared for this to take several months. The benefits are a fully restored tooth that functions and feels like your natural teeth!
The best way to get started is by call our office today at (760) 734-4311 📱