If you have lost one or more teeth and wish for a permanent solution, our dentists may recommend dental implants. They are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement due to their life-like design and functional abilities. However, you may wonder about the duration of the procedure before getting into it. Generally, the implant process may take a few months because they require time to fuse with the bone. Despite the long time, the results are definitely worth the wait! Read ahead to find out what to expect from the implant procedure and its duration.
Dental Consultation
All dental procedures begin with a consultation and oral examination. First, we will listen to your concerns to better understand your requirements. Next, our team will examine your oral cavity to determine whether you are fit for dental implants. We will also record dental X-rays and 3D scans to study your case in depth. It helps us formulate a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Implant Surgery
Once we deem that you are a good candidate for dental implants, we will schedule an appointment for implant surgery. We will begin by injecting a local anesthetic into your gums. Once the area is numb, we will place an incision to expose the jawbone.
Our dentist will drill through the jawbone to make a hole for implant placement. We will place a titanium post in the hole and secure it by suturing the gums over it. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours for a single implant. This step follows a recovery period of 3 to 6 months, during which the implant post-fuses with the surrounding bone.
Abutment and Crown Placement
Once the implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone, we will perform the final steps of this procedure. Our dentist will place a metal abutment that acts as a connecting link between the implant post and the crown. Next, we will secure a dental crown on top that resembles your natural teeth. This entire procedure may take 30 to 60 minutes.
Caring For Dental Implants
To prolong the lifetime of your dental implants, it is important to follow proper oral hygiene practices at home. Implants require similar care as your natural teeth, or even more so because they are artificial replacements. Lack of oral hygiene can increase the risk of gum infection, which may lead to implant failure.
Brush your teeth twice daily to avoid plaque and tartar buildup. Floss between your teeth, especially around the implants, to keep the gums clean and healthy. Schedule regular dental checkups at our practice so our dentists can monitor your oral health and provide immediate treatment if any complications arise.
Book A Consultation With Us
Our team at Royalty Dental Associates is here to answer all your dental queries. If you are considering tooth replacement with dental implants, call us at 281-655-0500 to book an appointment at our Spring Cypress practice. You can also contact 281-288-0900 to connect with our Cypresswood/I-45 office.
