If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, it’s exciting to know you have found the most effective, longest-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. But what should you expect during the process?
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process includes an evaluation, surgery, healing, and restoring the implants.
Evaluation
During a dental implant evaluation, Dr. Sirin will review your medical and dental histories and examine your teeth and gums. Dr. Sirin uses 3-D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to scan your oral anatomy.
The 3-D scan identifies any oral health issues and gives Dr. Sirin a detailed view of your teeth, jaw, sinuses, and nerves. The scan also helps Dr. Sirin develop a treatment plan.
Bone grafting
If your CT scan reveals that you have low bone volume, you may need a graft first to build up the bone and support dental implants. In some cases, Dr. Sirin can complete the graft and implant surgery on the same day. But you might need to wait three to four months for the graft to heal.
Surgery
Dr. Sirin will place one or more artificial root forms (or screws) in your jawbone during implant surgery.
He uses 3-D computer technology to guide him in completing these steps:
- Make a small incision in your gums to expose your jawbone
- Create a small opening in your jawbone to place the implant
- Insert an implant root form in the bone
- Secure the gum tissue around the implant with sutures
- Protect the implant site with a healing cap
Healing
Only the crown on a dental implant shows above the gumline.
During the next three to four months, you will wear a temporary dental crown while the implant heals. Your jawbone will accept the implant and fuse to it during a process called osseointegration.
You will receive post-operative care instructions. Some guidelines include:
- Diet – After implant surgery, you will have a diet of lukewarm or cold liquids. Avoid drinking through a straw because sucking can dislodge the clot at the implant site. As your comfort increases, you can eat soft foods only.
- Oral hygiene – We will give you instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene without disturbing the implant site.
- No smoking – Smoking constricts blood vessels and can stifle the healing process. You can prevent implant failure if you avoid smoking.
- Antibiotics – Dr. Sirin will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection around the implant site and any bone grafting.
- Checkup appointments – We will schedule appointments for Dr. Sirin to examine the implant site and ensure it is healthy and healing progressively. Follow-up appointments are essential to avoid dental implant failure.
Restoration
After ensuring each implant is stable and secure, Dr. Sirin will attach an implant to the abutment, or connector, on the top of the implant. If you are receiving an implant overdenture, Dr. Sirin will attach your denture to the implants.
Dr. Sirin’s training and your diligence in taking care of your implants will give you a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
Call us or request a complimentary consultation online.
