A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, typically a titanium appliance, that is placed into your jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge or denture to restore multiple missing teeth. Dental implants last longer than alternatives like bridges and dentures, and they look more natural, too.
What are the steps for getting Dental Implants?
The initial step is to meet with our team at for a free consultation. At this consultation, the doctor and you will determine your needs, assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss treatment options in order to create a customized treatment plan just for you. We’ll also discuss costs, financing options if necessary, and timing.
If you decide that Dental Implants are right for you and would like to proceed, next is a pre-procedure exam with our doctors. This exam involves an X-ray or a 3D CT scan and may include taking models of your teeth to determine the ideal treatment for your condition. Fortunately, we have this technology in our office, so you won’t have to visit another dental office. This exam can usually be completed in less than an hour. Once completed, you are ready to schedule your surgery.
On the day of surgery, you’ll come to our office and begin by discussing the sedation options, which is the medication to help your relax or even sleep during the procedure. During the actual surgery, any teeth, if required, will be removed. Next the actual dental implants are placed in the jaw bone. Then replacement teeth are secured onto the implants. It’s important you know that you will leave the office with your teeth! This is why we can say “teeth in a day.”
Following your surgery, there is a recovery period where the implants will need to heal and fully integrate with your bone and tissue before the doctor can connect the permanent bridges or dentures. It will usually take between 3-6 months for the adjustment to be complete.