What You Need to Know about Dental Implants
Dental implants, in Louisville, CO, are an increasingly popular solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth—and can last a lifetime with proper care.
But what exactly is a dental implant? What can patients expect if they get one?
Let’s walk through the steps of the dental implant process and help you understand what to expect.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
The first step toward your dental implant procedure is the consultation. During this visit, your dentist in Louisville, Colorado will evaluate your overall oral health and help you decide if dental implants are the best option for you.
If you move forward with getting implants, your Louisville dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your mouth. You’ll leave the appointment with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Implants Are Placed and the Jaw Heals
The next step is the surgical placement of the implant. Yes, it’s surgery, but it’s an outpatient surgery and should be pain-free. You’ll go home the same day and rest up to recover. You can expect some swelling and bruising. Most people can work the day following surgery.
The surgery is typically done under local anesthesia. The doctor will prepare the gum and jawbone, then place the titanium implant. The implant is then allowed to heal and fuse with the jawbone. This fusing process, known as osseointegration, typically takes several months.
Abutment, Crown, Done!
Once the implant becomes fully integrated with the jawbone, the next step is the placement of the “abutment.” The abutment is a small connector placed on top of the implant. It serves as a connection point for the crown. It may take about two weeks for the mouth to heal around the abutment.
To cap it all off, the final step is placement of the crown. Your dental crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth. The crown is placed on top of the abutment and then secured with a small screw. The crown will be adjusted and polished for a perfect fit. If you have more than one tooth replaced, there may be a bridge rather than a crown.
The entire dental implant procedure can take several months to complete. Healing for the implant to fuse with the jawbone can take time, and it’s important to follow the postoperative instructions given by the dentist to ensure proper healing. Once the implant has fully healed, patients can expect to enjoy their new teeth for many years to come—they may even last for a lifetime.
It takes a high level of skill and experience to place dental implants. In Louisville, CO, Louisville Dental Associates are here to provide qualified and experienced implant dentists. We’re now glad to feature Green Technology 3D Imaging! The Green CT 2 system provides high-quality X-ray images with lower radiation exposure, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Dental Implants in Louisville, CO
If you are missing one or more teeth and you’re considering dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Louisville, CO. During this consultation, we’ll take the time to evaluate your individual needs and discuss the best options for your unique situation. We’ll also answer any questions that you may have about the dental implant process. So take the first step toward a complete, healthy smile. Make an appointment today.