Dental implants are the foundation of a smile restoration that looks and feels natural. That said, the process behind this premier smile restoration can take an average of five to eight months. The mouth must heal at every stage to ensure long-lasting tooth replacement. Taking a closer look at the dental implant process can help you feel more confident and prepared for it.
Dental implants are biocompatible posts inserted into the jawbone to act as tooth roots. They are typically metal, but there are also nonmetal zirconia implants. With either material, the jawbone must fuse with the implants to form stable foundations for tooth replacements. Once this occurs, the periodontist will place the dental prosthetic — a dental crown, dental bridge, or permanent denture — on top of the implants via connecting pieces called abutments.
The first step in the dental implant process is a consultation to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for oral surgery. This requires a comprehensive exam, which includes X-rays, to assess the condition of the jawbone and gums. The periodontist will also review the patient's medical history and discuss the steps involved in their specific treatment process, such as their expected timeline and recovery.
Sometimes, dental work is needed to help the patient qualify for dental implants. The patient will need to have any tooth decay or gum disease treated. For those with insufficient jawbone density, the periodontist can recommend bone grafting to create a solid foundation for the implants.
Periodontists can perform dental implant surgery in one or two appointments. They place the implants and, often, the abutments in the same visit. A temporary crown, denture, or other prosthetic is then used to help the patient throughout the healing process.
It can take several months for the dental implants to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, a periodontist will recommend a few checkups to ensure the implant is stable and the patient is healing properly. To aid in their recovery, the patient will need to practice good oral hygiene, rest, eat soft foods (at least at first), and forgo alcohol and tobacco.
Once the mouth and jawbone are ready, the periodontist can replace the temporary tooth replacement with a permanent one. Again, this is typically a permanent dental crown, bridge, or partial or full denture. Each option will be made to look and work like the patient’s natural teeth.
Routine dental cleanings and exams help ensure the dental implant remains in good condition and that any potential issues are caught early on. Just like natural teeth, implants require brushing and flossing daily to last a lifetime. Otherwise, the gums around them can become infected and cause the implants to fail. Regular checkups can preserve the implants and the patient's oral health.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implant in Boca Raton, FL
The dental implant process takes time, but many find that going through the process is well worth getting effective, durable, and natural-feeling tooth replacements. If you want to learn more, contact Boca Perio. We can help you schedule a consultation with our Boca Raton periodontist.
Request an appointment or call Boca Perio at 561-763-1066 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.
Your periodontist will suggest a dental implant if you need a stable and natural-looking smile. Research shows many patients are happier with these restorations. The artificial tooth blends well with the remaining natural teeth. Here are the details on how a periodontist can transform your smile with a dental implant.A dental implant merges with the…
Most people think of traditional dentures when they need to replace their teeth. While dentures remain an effective option, dental implants may be the better choice. Learning the key differences between dentures and implants can help patients make an informed choice.Dental implants can permanently replace teeth. The periodontist surgically places these biocompatible metal posts (the…
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. However, when individuals choose not to pursue dental implants after losing teeth, they may experience a range of negative effects on their oral and periodontic health. The absence of dental implants can lead to issues that affect the health…