Building a New Smile: The 5 Steps of Getting Dental Implants

Filling the gaps in your smile with dental implants in Love Field is often one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health. However, it’s important to remember that you can’t expect to walk away with new teeth after just one visit! Getting dental implants is a process; before you can enjoy a complete, fully functional grin again, you’ll need to complete these 5 steps.

1. Initial Consultation

Of course, the first thing you need to do is talk with your dentist in Northwest Dallas. After a comprehensive exam that may involve taking an X-ray of your mouth, they’ll go over the steps of the process with you and how long you can expect it to take. This is also the point where your dentist will decide whether you’ll need bone grafting.

2. Preparations

Because missing teeth often cause the jawbone to deteriorate, many patients may need a bone grafting procedure to regain lost density. It can take 4 to 12 months after this procedure for the bone to fully heal so that you can move on to the implant placement.

Other preparations might be necessary as well. For example, if you’re getting an implant-retained denture, any remaining teeth in the arch have to be extracted first. Also, patients who are already suffering from gum disease will need to have it treated first; otherwise it could cause the implants to fail.

3. Implant Placement

During the surgery, a small incision is made in the soft tissue in your mouth, and a metal post is placed in the jawbone; this procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, and sedation will be used to keep you comfortable. Afterwards, you’ll likely need to wait 3 to 6 months before continuing the process. During this period, the implant gradually fuses with the bone, which is what allows it to provide your prosthetic tooth or teeth with extra strength and stability.

4. Abutment

Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment can be added. The abutment will ultimately serve to attach your prosthetic teeth to the implant.

5. Placing the Permanent Prosthetic

The final stage is to receive your crown, dental bridge or dentures. Some prosthetics can be removed while others are fixed in place; the former kind can be removed for daily cleanings, but the latter kind tends to be stronger and more stable in general.

Your experience in dental implants might differ slightly depending on your situation. Be sure to voice any questions or concerns you have during the consultation or at any other point during the process; understanding your treatment is an important part of making sure your new smile is a success!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, our team includes skilled oral surgeons and prosthodontists, meaning that we can provide you with high quality care throughout the entire dental implant process. Whether you need a single crown or full dentures, we can provide the solution for your tooth loss. To schedule an appointment at our Love Field location, visit our website or call (214) 350-5333.