While more and more dental procedures are able to be completed in a single appointment, placing dental implants is a complex process that requires multiple steps over an extended period of time. Still, the incredibly natural-looking results and the restored function of the tooth have patients near Dublin, Hilliard, and Worthington, OH feeling dental implants are well worth it. At River Park Dental in Dublin, OH, Dr. Phing Saurer helps patients improve their oral health and look and feel more confident with advanced implant dentistry. Here, we’ll discuss the general timeline for getting dental implants, what patients can expect during each stage of treatment, and how long their stunning, strong new smiles should last.

Who needs dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are implanted into the jawbone and support a restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or dentures. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. While it is always preferable to save a patient’s natural tooth, it is not always possible. Dental problems that often lead to the need for dental implants include:

  • Broken tooth
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Missing tooth
  • Trauma
  • Injury
  • Tooth never grew in

What is the process of getting dental implants?

The dental implant process is performed over the course of two or more appointments. Before dental implants can be placed, the patient’s oral health must be intact. If patients have periodontal disease, decay, or another dental problem, this will need to be addressed and corrected prior to the placement of implants. If the damaged tooth is still present, it will need to be extracted, and the health of the underlying tissues and structures will then be assessed.

Once the patient’s mouth is ready for treatment, the first step of dental implants can be performed. To begin, the mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. If desired, sedation or nitrous oxide can be used to keep the patient relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Saurer then makes a small incision in the patient’s gums and inserts the titanium screw into the jawbone.

The next appointment will be scheduled once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, typically takes up to 3 – 6 months and is necessary for the stability and functionality of the final restoration. After the implant has integrated with the bone, Dr. Saurer will connect a custom-made restoration – like a crown, implant, or bridge – to the implant(s) via an attachment piece called an abutment.

With the waiting period between placing the screws and attaching the restorations, the entire process of getting dental implants typically takes several months to complete, though this can vary based on the patient’s overall oral and dental health, how many teeth need to be replaced, whether any teeth need to be extracted, and other factors. To ensure the most efficient and successful dental implant placement possible, patients should practice good oral hygiene, eat a healthy, balanced diet, refrain from smoking, and follow Dr. Saurer’s instructions closely. Despite the timeline for getting dental implants, the vast majority of patients agree that their complete, beautiful new smile – which can be enjoyed for decades to come – was worth the wait.

Restore your confidence and your smile with dental implants in Columbus, OH

Missing one or more teeth not only impacts your appearance and confidence but can also compromise the structural integrity of your mouth. Preserve your oral health, restore your smile, and feel more confident than ever by calling River Park Dental to schedule your private consultation for dental implants in Dublin, OH with Dr. Phing Saurer today.