Dental implants are the only solution for missing teeth that addresses tooth loss both above and below the gum line, which is why they’re considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. While the process of getting dental implants requires time and patience, the results are worth it: a lifelong solution that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth. This step-by-step guide to dental implants will go over exactly what you can expect.
Consultation
The first step in your dental implant journey is coming to our office for a consultation. Dr. Jamrozek will examine your teeth and gums, go over your medical and dental histories, and talk to you about your treatment goals. Knowing this information, she can then discuss your options for dental implants and other restorations.
If you decide to move forward with dental implants, our team works together with a skilled periodontist and oral surgeon who ensures you’re a good candidate and will perform your dental implant surgery. You will need digital impressions and x-rays, which allow us to plan the placements of your implants, design the restorations that attach to them, and make sure your jawbone has sufficient strength to support implants. Dr. Jamrozek can also use your impressions to create a model of your teeth and jaw so you can see what your smile will look like with your implant-supported restorations.
Supplemental Procedures
For some patients, the next step in the dental implant process is getting supplemental procedures to prepare for dental implant surgery. We want to ensure that you have healthy gums and teeth before placing your dental implants and if your implants are replacing teeth that are still in your mouth, those will need to be extracted as well.
Other supplemental procedures focus on the jawbone. When patients have been without teeth for some time, the bone in the jaw begins to break down. In order to successfully place dental implants, the jaw needs to be built back up again. This can be accomplished through bone grafting or a sinus lift performed by your periodontist or oral surgeon.
Dental Implant Placement
Once you have healed from any supplemental procedures, you will be ready for dental implant surgery. During this procedure, the periodontist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue and place biocompatible metal posts into your jaw. You won’t experience any pain during dental implant surgery because local anesthetic is used to numb the area and ensure that you’re comfortable.
After dental implant placement, we’ll wait for osseointegration to occur. This is the process in which your jawbone and your implants fuse together.
Abutment Placement
The abutment is the piece that connects your dental implant to your restoration. After osseointegration has occurred another set of impressions is taken so we can create an abutment and final restoration which is a crown that fits onto the abutment and interacts properly with surrounding teeth. A temporary restoration can be provided to you while your permanent restoration is fabricated.
Restoration Placement
When your restoration is ready, you’ll come back to our office and Dr. Jamrozek will attach it to the dental implant. You can leave our office enjoying your new smile!
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you’d like to learn more about the process of getting dental implants, contact us today at 973-728-3779 to schedule a consultation.