Are you tired of suffering from having gaps in your smile? Not only can this problem have a heavy impact on your self-esteem, but missing teeth can also increase your risk of developing common oral health problems like gum disease. The good news is, dental implants in Crown Point offer benefits that no other traditional restoration can, allowing you to keep your mouth healthy and happy for decades to come. Although every patient’s procedure varies drastically depending on a variety of different factors, the process can be broken down into three major parts. Read on to learn what to expect throughout the dental implant procedure.
The Initial Consultation
The first step to replacing your missing teeth and restoring your quality of life is to schedule a consultation with your implant dentist in Crown Point. This is one of the most informative and essential parts of the process because it’s the perfect chance to get any questions you may have answered so you can feel comfortable and confident in your decision.
During this visit, your dentist will inspect the health of your teeth and gums and determine whether you need any preparatory procedures such as a bone graft, tooth extraction, or gum disease treatment. They will also develop a customized timeline to give you an idea of the total cost of the treatment, how long it will take, and how many implants you’ll need to have placed. It’s also a good idea to bring in a list of questions or concerns that you may have along with some qualities that you think makes a smile attractive. That way, your dentist can do their best to help you achieve your dream grin.
Placing The Dental Implants
Once you determine that dental implants are right for you, and you’ve had any necessary preparatory procedures completed, your dentist will schedule your implant placement. Sometimes, this is completed by an oral surgeon, and other times, by your implant dentist themselves. The length of the procedure will depend on how many implants you need to have placed.
Once the surgery has been completed, you’ll need to allow time for your gums to heal and the titanium posts to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This can take anywhere from four to six months.
Attaching the Abutments and Restorations
Once your healing period is done, your dentist will schedule an appointment to place your abutments. These are small connector pieces that securely attach your restorations to your dental implants so they don’t shift or slip in your mouth. After a short healing period of about two weeks, they’ll attach your custom-crafted restorations, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture. For larger jobs, like placing a denture, it may require several appointments to ensure an exact and comfortable fit.
To learn what your dental implant procedure will look like and get any questions you may have answered, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can give you all the information you need to help you feel confident and secure in your decision to replace your missing teeth with the latest restorative solution that dentistry has to offer.
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas is passionate about improving his patients’ smiles and quality of life by replacing any missing teeth they may have. He stays up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques in dentistry by regularly attending continuing education courses. This way, he can offer his patients quality treatments such as dental implants, that offer unmatched stability and longevity. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Ornelas Family Dentistry’s website or call 219-663-2892.