Your Implant Journey - What to Expect
Understanding the Treatment Process
If you are considering teeth replacement with dental implants, knowing what to anticipate throughout your treatment process can help you have a stress-free and successful experience. Patients can expect the dental implant timeline to span about seven months, depending on whether other procedures are required, such as bone grafting. At the Dental Arts Center in Oklahoma City, OK, we will explain what you can expect based on your needs and goals. For now, we invite you to learn more about the factors that can influence your treatment timeline.
The dental implants timeline has six basic steps
Consultation and Treatment Planning
During your initial consultation at our office, Dr. Lorents will assess the health of your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and surrounding structures to determine your dental implant candidacy. X-rays will be taken to evaluate the jawbone. Once we establish that you are eligible for dental implants, we will begin the treatment planning process. During this stage, Dr. Lorents will use advanced diagnostic technology to determine the most appropriate location and position of your implants.
Preliminary Procedures
When a dental implant is placed into the jaw, it must be completely surrounded by strong, dense bone. If you have experienced bone atrophy, we may recommend a preparatory procedure, such as a bone graft or sinus lift. While not all patients will require preliminary treatments, this step is crucial for those who do, and can add three months or longer to your treatment timeline. The time necessary for osseointegration to complete depends on several factors, but it generally takes between three and six months for most patients.
Implant Surgery
The day of your procedure, you will be seated in one of our relaxing treatment rooms. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Lorents will place the implant into the jawbone using advanced, gentle techniques. Generally, we will see you for a follow-up in approximately one week and we will continue to monitor your progress over the next few months.
Osseointegration
Once the implant is placed, it will require a few months of healing. During this crucial time, the jawbone will fuse to the surface of the implant through a process called osseointegration. The time necessary for osseointegration to complete depends on several factors, but it generally takes between three and six months for most patients.
Abutment Placement and Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll be ready for the Abutment placement and Final restoration. The abutment is a connection device that attaches to the implant and extends above the gum line. After a couple of weeks, the gums will heal around the abutment, and we’ll create your final restoration based on impressions of your abutments and surrounding teeth. In some cases, we can create and place the restoration in one appointment.
Follow-up Care
After completing the dental implant treatment, we’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your oral health and the performance of your implants. We’ll also provide instructions on how to care for your implants to ensure they last for many years.
Conclusion
Regain your smile's function and beauty with dental implants
In conclusion, the dental implant timeline involves several steps that can span about seven months or longer, depending on whether you require preliminary treatments. However, with proper planning and care, dental implants can restore your smile’s function and appearance, and you can enjoy the benefits for many years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental implants.
Book an Appointment Today
We invite you to join our dental family and experience the highest quality care available. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthy, beautiful smile.