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. This is the number one recommended tooth replacement solution available today. To get an idea of what to expect, below are all the steps 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 oral health 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. The dentist must do accurate and precise planning to ensure predictable results. They will determine the number of implants you need, the size, and where they should be placed. 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 damage to your natural tooth or lack enough bone to support the implants, Dr. Shulman will need to address these issues first. You may need additional time to heal once your dentist extracts your teeth, performs a bone graft or periodontal disease treatment. 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 your dentist will surgically place the implant posts in the proper location along the jaw. The implants will secure a dental restoration and replace the tooth root. We will sedate you and numb the area around the surgical site for your comfort. It typically takes about an hour to place a single implant. If you are getting multiple implants, the procedure will take longer.
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, the dentist may place a temporary dental restoration.
Placing the Abutment
Once osseointegration is complete, a second surgery will take place. Here, the dentist will uncover each implant and attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant post. In some cases, they will immediately connect the abutment to the dental implant post during the implant placement. 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 secure your replacement teeth to complete your smile. If you had only one missing tooth, he will attach the custom dental crown to the single implant. He will attach a dental bridge to the two or more implants if you had several consecutive missing teeth. If you were missing most or all of your natural teeth, he will attach your new implant denture.