The dental implants process will require multiple visits and months to complete. Even though this process takes longer than getting traditional restorations, dental implant secured restorations offer many more benefits and will last longer. Dr. Drew Shulman, a Northeast Philadelphia dentist, offers all types of dental implants for patients looking for the best long term solution for missing teeth. To get an idea of what to expect, below are all the steps involved in the dental implant process.
The Dental Implant Process
Implant Consultation
The first step in the process is to meet with Dr. Shulman for a consultation. Here he will do a comprehensive dental exam, takes x-rays, take impressions of your teeth and do anything else that he needs to plan your procedure. This is the most important step in the entire process. Accurate and precise planning must be done to ensure predictable results. Dr. Shulman will review the rest of the process with you and give you an idea of length of time it should take you to get your new teeth.
Teeth Extractions or Bone Grafting
If you have damaged teeth or lack enough bone to support the implants, Dr. Shulman will need to address these issues first. You may need additional time to heal from having your teeth extracted or undergoing a bone graft. If you do not require either of these procedures, you can move on to the teeth implant placement phase after your initial consultation.
Dental Implants Placement
During this appointment the implant posts will be surgically placed in their predetermined location in your jaw. You will be sedated and the area where the implants will be placed is numbed for your comfort. It typically takes about an hour to place a single implant. If you are getting multiple implants, it will take longer depending how many implants are being placed. After the dental implant procedure, you will need time to heal and for the implants to fuse with the surrounding jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. Healing time will vary from patient to patient but could take up to six months. Depending on the location of your missing teeth, a temporary dental restoration may be placed.
Placing the Abutment
Once osseointegration is complete, a second surgery will take place. Here, each implant is uncovered and a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post. In some cases the abutment is immediately connected to the dental implant metal post when it is implanted. When your gums are healed, we will take additional impressions that will be used to fabricate your final dental restorations.
Placement of the Dental Restoration
During this appointment at our Northeast Philadelphia dentist office, Dr. Shulman will attach your new restoration to complete your smile. If you had only one missing tooth, he will attach the custom dental crown to the single implant. If you had several consecutive missing teeth, he will attach a dental bridge to the two or more implants. If you were missing most or all of your teeth, he will attach your new implant denture.
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