Getting dental implants is an easier process than you may think for the patient and yields wonderful results. The steps required and the time the process takes can vary depending on the condition of the patient's gums and bone structure and the restorations needed. The dentists at Newman Family Dentistry will be happy to walk you through how the dental implant process is likely to go for you.
Dental implants are so effective because they fuse directly into the bone of the jaw, making a secure anchor for prosthetic teeth. This requires sufficient bone structure for the implants to fuse with. The first step will be for one of our dentists to carefully study your jaw bone structure at the site of the implant and to look for any infections that might compromise the long term stability of your implants. If necessary, we may recommend treatments to build up the bone and to eliminate any periodontal disease we find. In some cases we may refer you to a trusted specialist for these treatments.
As soon as the dentist feels your mouth is healthy enough and any teeth are removed that need to be, we can place the actual dental implant - a titanium root-like structure that fuses with the bone of your jaw. This procedure is nearly pain free since bone has no nerves. Most patients report that an over-the-counter pain reliever is all they need. After the implant is placed, it can take several months for the implant to integrate with the bone.
Once the dental implant is firmly integrated with bone, a post called an abutment can be attached. This is a raised post that will be the base for a crown, bridge, or dentures. After the abutment is added, your gums will need some time to heal around it - typically a week or two.
When the dentist sees your implant is ready to take the pressure of chewing, we'll take an impression of your mouth in order to create a prosthetic tooth or teeth. Your dental restorations will be precisely crafted to fit perfectly in place. The end result will be a permanent, attractive, fully functional replacement for your missing teeth.
For some patients, each step is best completed individually and there will be some healing time before the next step can begin. But for many patients we can combine two or more of the steps in one visit. Some patients have teeth removed and are able to begin chewing on their new replacement teeth in the very same day. When you come in, your dentist will evaluate what is necessary to ensure successful implant placement and discuss your options for speeding up the process.
If you are in the Indianapolis area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, please contact Newman Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified dentists. We have two convenient locations in Carmel and West Indianapolis. If you currently have missing teeth or traditional dentures, don't delay. The sooner you replace your missing teeth, the more damage you can prevent and the sooner you can resume a more fulfilling lifestyle.
