Dental Implants: What to Expect during Your Appointment

Dental implants offer an effective way to replace missing teeth and secure appliances like dentures or bridges. Even though there are many benefits to dental implants, some patients are nervous about the treatment process. This treatment is quite common and very successful, so you can rest assured to know that you are in good hands.

Why Dental Implants?

If a tooth is missing, then additional dental problems can result over time. One common problem is that the jaw bone starts to break down because there isn’t a tooth in that space in the jaw. When a dental implant is put in place, it simulates the original tooth to help the bone naturally strengthen in that area.

Dental implants look natural, and they function in the same way as the original tooth. This treatment is long-lasting, giving you a permanent way to replace a tooth that has been extracted. The implant naturally fits into your mouth so that you can comfortably eat and talk without concerns about a gap in your mouth.

How Many Appointments will You Need?

This treatment is done over the period of a few months. The first appointment is to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. The dentist will evaluate your dental health, the amount of bone in the area, as well as your overall health and wellness.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the treatment, then you can schedule your first appointment. The first step is to insert a post into the jaw bone, which functions as the “root” of the tooth replacement.

Then, you will need to wait for a few months after the post is in place. During this time, the body strengthens the placement of the post by building supportive bone in the area. This waiting time can be between three to six months depending on your individual situation.

The final appointment is when the permanent crown is placed on top of the post. It might be necessary to visit the dentist for check-ups a few times before the crown can be placed. The dentist needs to make sure that the post is strong enough to support the crown.

Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?

Are you missing one or more teeth in your mouth? Then you might consider the benefits of dental implants. Call our office today to schedule a consultation to see if this treatment is right for you.