If you and your dentist have decided that you will undergo dental implant surgery, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Dental implant surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure through multiple stages.
DENTAL IMPLANT STAGES
If you have a damaged tooth that the dental implant is replacing, your implant dentist will remove it and prepare your jaw for the implant surgery.
When you chew, you exert great pressure on your jawbone. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft to support the dental implant, the device will fail. So, often bone grafting is required.
In bone grafting, another piece of bone either from a different part of your jaw or freeze-dried bone that is sterilized bone from a bone bank is transplanted into your jawbone. Depending on the size and location of the tooth where where the implants are going, the healing time will vary between six and 16 weeks. Sometimes, minor grafting can be done at the same time as dental implant surgery.
Once the extraction area is healed, the next step is for the dentist to place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. They must then grow together. This process is called osseointegration and it can take up to six months for the bone and post to fuse together. But, it is important because it creates a strong, solid base for your new replacement tooth. That titanium post acts like the root in your natural teeth. In many cases, the surgeon can also place the abutment onto the post at the same time.
The abutment is what holds your replacement tooth in place. You may get a temporary crown while your jaw and implant get strong enough for permanent installment of your replacement tooth. The process can be lengthy, but the results will give you a brand new smile; the ability to eat and chew without difficulty; and your confidence level will soar to new heights. If you are interested in dental implants or other dental services in the Charlotte area, please visit Modern Family Dental Care for a dental evaluation. We offer dental treatments at these three locations:
Concord Dental Office Location
8455 Pit Stop Ct. NW, Suite 140
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 979-3436
Monday: Coming Soon
Tuesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Charlotte Dental Office Locations
Charlotte – Davis Lake:
Shoppes at Davis Lake
8505 Davis Lake Pkwy, Suite AB-3
Charlotte, NC 28269
(980) 498-1037
Monday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Friday: Coming Summer 2016
