Losing a tooth is a distressing experience, often leading to lower self-esteem and further oral health problems. Thankfully, with the help of specialized treatments like dental implant restoration, patients can achieve a healthy, attractive smile. Of course, regular Marietta checkups are crucial to identify any tooth decay or periodontitis before severe problems occur. However, almost everyone will eventually need some form of restorative dentistry, and having access to first-class treatment can make all the difference.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants
As an established restorative dentistry treatment, dental implants have many benefits for patients.
- Appearance – Dental implants offer a strong foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth.
- Comfort – As a permanent solution, patients quickly get used to their new implants.
- Eating – Dental implants enable you to chew food without having to worry about a gap or removable dentures.
- Oral Health – The addition of dental implants can prevent surrounding teeth from losing stability.
- Convenience – Dental implants are positioned firmly in place, canceling the need for removable solutions.
What Are Dental Implants?
We’re not going to spend much time here, but there is one common misconception we want to clear up…
A dental implant isn’t actually a replacement tooth per se; it is a replacement tooth root or foundation.
What do we mean by that?
Well, a dental implant is actually a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone, which then integrates with the jawbone through the process of osseointegration (that’s a fancy word that means the titanium implant is securely connected to your jawbone).
A lot of people refer to a dental crown as an implant, but a crown is simply the tooth restoration that adheres to the top of a dental implant so that you are able to chew effectively, and also gives you that great smile you’re looking for.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move along to the actual dental implant restoration process at Shining Smiles.
The Dental Implant Process in Layman’s Terms
The best way to fully understand the process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohip-Chahwala.
She will be able to answer any and all questions you have regarding the dental implant process. You may also read our questions about dental implants for the most popular answers about this treatment. She is one of the most caring, compassionate dentists in the area (just take a look at our patient reviews).
That being said, if you aren’t quite ready to schedule your consultation, we want to give you a little more information about how the process works.
Special note: Every patient is different, and we are not saying this is exactly what will happen during your procedure. This is a general overview of the process after a patient decides to move forward.
Obviously each step of the process involves communication with Dr. Mohip-Chahwala and careful planning. We’re going to provide an overview of the general steps involved in a dental implant restoration at Shining Smiles Family Dentistry in Marietta, GA.
Step 1:
Before you can receive a new dental implant, your damaged tooth (or teeth) must be removed.
This process is fairly straightforward, as it simply involves removing any remnants of damaged teeth that could interfere with the successful outcome of implants.
Pulling a tooth is a common treatment that is over quickly. In addition, sedation dentistry techniques ensure patients experience a calm, pain-free procedure.
Step 2:
Since a dental implant is inserted directly into your jawbone, it must be adequately prepared for surgery.
In many cases, this involves some level of bone grafting to ensure you have enough bone to support dental implants. In cases where there isn’t enough bone and bone grafting isn’t an option, mini dental implants may be used.
Step 3:
After your jawbone has been prepped, dental implants are then placed into your jawbone.
It’s important to remember that the dental implant procedure is considered oral surgery, and thus, it may require several months of healing after the implants are placed before they are ready for the abutment and crown (or bridge). During this time, bone grows around the implant to create a firm foundation. The time required for the implant to bond to the jawbone will vary, so your dentist will need to check its stability before resuming treatment.
Step 4:
Once the jawbone has healed and the implants have integrated into the jawbone securely, abutments and crowns are placed on top of the implant to complete the restoration.
While dental implants are the best way for many patients to restore their smile, the process typically lasts anywhere from 3-9 months, on average (each patient is different). The good news is that we can provide you with a set of temporaries so that you don’t go around for months without any teeth!
Dental Implant Post-Treatment Recovery and Oral Care
Getting a dental implant is a surgical procedure that naturally requires time to recover. You’re likely to experience some discomfort for a couple of weeks during the healing process, while the entire recovery can take several months. Of course, your dental team will guide you through the treatment to ensure your long-term oral health.
In addition, it’s crucial that you follow oral care best practices. While a dental implant with a crown will not decay, it’s still possible to experience gum disease. With regular brushing, flossing and oral exams, you can maintain healthy teeth and a stunning smile.
What Happens at a Dental Implant Consultation?
Before undergoing significant treatments like dental crowns and bridges, implants and veneers, patients must visit our Marietta office for a consultation. During a dental implant consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and jawbone. A dental X-ray will identify whether there is sufficient bone mass to place the dental implant, and identify any areas of concern, such as existing gum disease.
Your dentist will also look into your medical history to confirm you are healthy enough for the procedure. With all this necessary information, you can prepare for the treatment and a return to healthy teeth and gums.
Marietta’s Dental Implant and Restorative Dentistry Specialists
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry offers a range of family, restorative and cosmetic dental solutions. To discuss dental implants and other treatments, visit our Marietta office. Call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment today.
