Understanding the Dental Implant Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Considering dental implants to restore your smile? This innovative tooth replacement solution has transformed the process of replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-looking alternative to dentures or bridges.

Dental implants consist of two main parts—the implant itself and the crown that attaches to the end of the implant. Since dental implants work a bit differently than dentures or bridges, the process for getting these sturdy dental restorations will be different as well.

At Saunders DDS, we guide patients through every step of the dental implant process, ensuring comfort and optimal results. Here’s what you can expect for the step-by-step process of restoring your smile with dental implants.

Step One: Initial Consultation and Planning

The process for dental implants in Asheville begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, Dr. Saunders will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if dental implants are right for you.

This evaluation includes detailed X-rays and possibly 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and plan the precise placement of your implant.

Key factors we examine include:

• Your overall oral health
• Bone density in your jaw
• Periodontal (gum) health
• Medical history
• Lifestyle factors that might affect healing

In order to qualify for dental implants, your teeth and gums should be healthy, and ideally, you would not smoke or use tobacco, as tobacco use can impact your healing process after the procedure.

Step Two: Preparing for Implant Surgery

Some patients may need additional treatment or procedures prior to their implant placement surgery to ensure success. For example, if you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, you might require bone grafting to create a sturdy foundation for your implant.

Other patients may need treatment for tooth decay or gum disease before the procedure. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the greater your chance of success with your dental implant restoration.

If any procedures are necessary prior to the implant placement, we’ll incorporate adequate healing time into your treatment plan. This preparation phase is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of your implant.

Step Three: The Implant Placement Procedure

The actual implant placement is a precise surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Saunders will create a small opening in your gum tissue and carefully place the implant post into your jawbone.

This post, which can be made of titanium or ceramic, acts as an artificial tooth root and forms the foundation of your new tooth. Once placed, the site is cleaned and sutured closed. The procedure usually takes one to two hours per implant, and most patients return to normal activities the next day.

The procedure time can vary based on the type of restoration you are getting. For example, some patients missing a significant number of natural teeth get multiple implants placed at one time, allowing them to consolidate appointments and healing time.

Step Four: The Healing Process and Osseointegration

Following implant placement comes one of the most important phases: osseointegration. During this period, your jawbone grows around and bonds with the implant post, creating a natural, stable foundation for your replacement tooth. This process typically takes anywhere from three to six months.

During osseointegration, you’ll need to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing, including:

• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
• Following dietary restrictions, such as avoiding tough or sticky foods
• Avoiding smoking
• Attending follow-up appointments as scheduled

You’ll likely wear a temporary restoration, such as a removable partial denture, during this period to maintain appearance and function while protecting the implant site.

Modern dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95-98% when performed by experienced dentists and properly maintained by patients. So, as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and take proper care of your implant, you can expect a successful procedure.

Step Five: Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return for a minor procedure to place the abutment, which is the connector piece that will hold your new crown. This involves making a small incision in your gum to expose the implant and attach the abutment.

After placement, your gum tissue needs about two weeks to heal around the abutment before the final crown can be attached.

Step 6: Placing Your Permanent Custom Dental Crown

The final step involves creating and placing your permanent dental crown. We take detailed impressions of your mouth and existing teeth to ensure your new tooth matches perfectly in size, shape, and color. Our dental laboratory uses these impressions to craft your custom crown, which typically takes about two weeks.

Once your crown is ready, Dr. Saunders will carefully check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and secure it to the abutment. The result is a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance of Your Dental Implant

While dental implants can’t get cavities, they are still vulnerable to damage from gum disease and improper use of your teeth, such as biting or chewing objects such as ice or pencils.

As such, dental implants still require proper care to ensure their longevity. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your dental implant can last a lifetime.

Caring for your implant is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You will need to brush your implant just like your natural teeth and carefully floss around the restoration once a day. You should continue to get professional teeth cleanings to maintain both the health of your smile and the appearance of your implant.

Start Your Journey to a Complete Smile With Saunders DDS

If you’re considering dental implants, the team at Saunders DDS is here to help. Our experienced staff combines technical expertise with a gentle, patient-centered approach to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your specific situation.

Ready to learn more about how dental implants in Asheville can transform your smile? Contact Saunders DDS today at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online to schedule your consultation. Our friendly team in Asheville is ready to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward a confident, complete smile.