Restoring Smiles with Precision and Care
Dental implants are an effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent and natural-looking alternative to dentures or bridges. The procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a sturdy foundation for a custom-made crown. This meticulous process not only restores functionality and aesthetics but also promotes jawbone health by preventing bone loss.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to understand each step of the process, from initial consultation to final restoration. If you’re ready to see if dental implants are best for you, contact our Willoughby Hills, OH dentist, Dr. Phillip Wallace by calling (440) 210-099 to schedule an appointment.
How Dental Implant Procedures Work
Initial Consultation
The first step in receiving dental implants is to schedule an initial consultation with your Willoughby Hills dentist. During this appointment, Dr. Wallace examines your mouth and takes digital X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. He’ll also discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure that the implant surgery is safe for you.
Supplemental Procedures
For some patients, additional procedures may be recommended before they can move forward with replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Procedures such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafting are common for those suffering from low jawbone density or who have underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease.
These supplemental procedures can be performed before or during the implant process, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of their case. Dr. Wallace will evaluate your specific situation and determine if any additional procedures are necessary to ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.
In some cases, dental implants may not be right for you. Dr. Wallace may recommend other restorative dentistry treatments, such as removable dentures or a dental bridge.
Implant Surgery
The implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have IV sedation for added comfort. Sedation options are discussed at the initial consultation. During the procedure, Dr. Wallace will make a small incision in the gums and carefully place the implant post into the jawbone. The post will then be left to heal and integrate with the bone in the coming months.
Dr. Wallace may perform the surgery with the help of 3D scanning technology, or even laser technology.
Recovery Period
During the recovery period, the post will begin 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. Make sure to stick to a soft foods diet and follow any instructions provided. You may have some discomfort or swelling for a few days to a week.
Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.
Final Restoration Placement
Once the post has fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to our Willoughby Hills dental office for the final restoration placement appointment. Your custom restoration, a dental crown, bridge, or supported denture will be ready for placement. The final restoration will be 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.
Dental implant is a great way to replace a missing tooth. Are you someone in the Willoughby Hills, OH area looking for a dentist to get a missing tooth fixed? Then Dr. Stern at Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills is the dentist you should visit.
After Your Dental Implant Surgery
After your dental implant surgery, it’s essential to take great care of your oral hygiene to ensure proper healing and reduce your chance of complications arising. Here are some tips to help you out after oral surgery:
- Follow Dr. Wallace’s instructions
- Manage pain and swelling with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Eat soft foods and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Attend follow-up appointments
To learn more about post-op dental implant care, Dr. Wallace has created a detailed guide to assist you with a speedy recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove 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 before the implant surgery.
On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.
Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.
The purpose of dental implants is to replace a missing tooth or teeth. When a tooth is lost because of injury, decay, or other reasons, it can hurt a person’s oral health and quality of life. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable replacement tooth, improving your natural teeth’ function and appearance.
Achieve Your Dream Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Not only do they restore your smile’s appearance, but they also improve your ability to speak and chew with confidence. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable and efficient as possible, ensuring minimal downtime and a swift recovery. With a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, you can enjoy the benefits of a complete and functional smile. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer.
Contact our Willoughby Hills, OH dental office today by calling (440) 210-099 to schedule your consultation and embark on the journey to a brighter, healthier smile that you’ll be proud to show off every day! We’re proud to serve Ohio patients in Lake County, Eastlake, Kirtland, Wickliffe, Willoughby Hills and the surrounding areas.