The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
Step One: Initial Consultation
Your dental implant journey will start with an initial consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Gabriel will evaluate your overall oral health to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants. Digital cone beam CT scans will be performed to get a better view of your head and jaw, allowing Dr. Gabriel to consider which treatment options may be right for you.
Step Two (Optional): Supplemental Procedures
Dental implants require your jawbone and gums to be healthy. If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, your jawbone may have already started to deteriorate. Luckily, Dr. Gabriel may be able to restore your jawbone by conducting a bone graft. He can also restore gums that have receded using soft tissue grafts in the areas that need attention. Your body will build additional tissue in response to the procedure.
Step Three: Implanting the Posts
Once Dr. Gabriel determines that you’re ready for dental implants, he’ll begin the placement process. While dental implants do require surgery to be placed, Dr. Gabriel will make sure you are comfortable throughout the treatment by applying a local anesthetic. He can also administer sedation for additional ease during surgery. The implant will spend the next couple of months bonding with your jawbone once placed.
Step Four: Recovery and Integration
Your dental implants need time to bond with your jaw through a natural process called osseointegration. While a few months may seem too long, a dental implant is the best replacement option for missing teeth. The initial integration process is what allows the dental implant to provide its benefits. Once the implant is done healing and integrating, you’ll be ready for the final step of the process.
Step Five: Placing the Crown
The final step of the dental implant process is attaching the crown to the titanium post. The abutment is then placed to complete the procedure, fully integrating the piece into your natural smile. Once Dr. Gabriel attaches your custom crown, you’ll be able to leave our office showing off your newfound confidence that comes with having a perfect smile.