The Dental Implant Process from Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
The dental implant process is the only tooth replacement treatment that will require many visits over several months. However, this multi-stage process is designed to provide a permanent solution for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Rawley Fuller provides his patients with complete services for dental implants in Leland, NC. If you are considering teeth implants, it is important to learn how the implant procedure works. Continue reading to learn more about the dental implant process in Leland, NC.
Consultation and Assessment
The first step in your dental implant journey will be a thorough consultation. During this stage, Dr. Fuller will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your medical history. This comprehensive assessment is crucial to determining whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
Treatment Planning
Based on your consultation and what the dentist learns about your current oral health, we will develop a detailed treatment plan. This plan will be tailored to your specific needs. It will take into consideration details such as the number of implants required, the condition of the jawbone, and the type of restoration (dental crown, dental bridge, or denture) you will need.
Preparatory Procedures
Many patients require some type of preparatory procedure to ensure the quality of dental implant placement. This can include bone grafting to augment the jawbone if you lack the required density to support implants. You may also need a sinus lift to be performed in the upper jaw to create adequate space for implant placement. It is also important to be in good oral health.
Dental Implant Placement
The surgical phase involves the actual placement of the dental implants into the jawbone. During the dental implant placement, we can provide dental sedation, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Fuller will make a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, drill a small hole for each implant, and precisely place each dental implant into the jawbone.
Osseointegration
Following implant placement, the dental implant will fuse to the bone during a process called osseointegration. This process creates a strong and stable foundation for your false teeth. Osseointegration takes several months to complete.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, a minor surgical procedure is performed to attach abutments to the implants. They are crucial for providing stability and support for the prosthetic teeth.
Impressions and Fabrication of Prosthetic Teeth
With the abutments in place, the next step involves taking impressions of the mouth. These impressions are used to fabricate your custom prosthetic teeth. This will be a dental crown if you are missing a single tooth or a dental bridge or denture if you are missing multiple teeth.
Placement of the Final Dental Restoration
The final stage of the dental implant process involves attaching the custom-made prosthetic teeth to the abutments. Dr. Fuller will carefully check the fit, aesthetics, and functionality to ensure that the restoration integrates with your smile. Once satisfied, he will secure it to the abutments.
- Implant Dentistry
- Dental Implant FAQs
- Parts of a Dental Implant
- Why Choose Dental Implants?
- Single Dental Implant
- Multiple Dental Implants
To learn more about the dental implant process in Leland, NC, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fuller at Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. You can reach our dental practice by calling 910-519-1624 or request an appointment online.