Fullerton Craft Smiles Dental can provide you with dental implants to replace any number of missing teeth. Our dentists, Dr. Kush Patel and Dr. Krutav Patel, are expert restorative dentists in Fullerton, CA. The entire dental implant process will take several months and many trips to our dentist office. You should plan on this multi-step process taking about three to eight months to complete.
The Dental Implant Process
Evaluation
Every patient will need to undergo an evaluation to determine if they qualify for dental implants. Our dentists will make sure you have enough bone density to support the implants. If there isn’t, then you may need to undergo a procedure called a bone graft. This will build back up the bone in your jaw. Additionally, you need to be free from major dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Dental fillings, gum disease therapy, and tooth extractions will need to completed before moving onto the surgical procedure.
Dental Implant Placement
Inserting the implant posts in the jaw will take place via a surgical procedure. General or local anesthetic will be used for your comfort. The length of your surgery is based on how many implant fixtures are being placed.
An incision will be made along the gum line to expose the underlying bone. Then holes will be drilled in the bone. Last, the implant will be screwed into the pre-drilled hole. A temporary dental restoration will be placed if necessary for aesthetic purposes. After surgery, you may feel sore but this discomfort should only last a few days.
Osseointegration
During this step, the bone will grow around the implant screws. Dental implants are typically made of titanium which is a type of metal the human body does not reject. This allows the implants to literally fuse with the surrounding bone. It makes the implants incredibly strong and stable.
Abutment Placement
Attaching the abutment takes place once the implants have fused completely with the bone. Typically about three to six months after surgery. It will act as the connector piece between the implants and the dental prosthesis.
Attaching the Dental Prosthesis
The last step in the dental implant process is to place the final dental prosthesis. Dental crowns are used to replace one tooth, dental bridges are used to replace several missing teeth in a row, and dentures are used to replace a full arch of teeth. Once this is in place, you will be able to enjoy your new, complete smile!
How long will the dental implant process take?
Your implant process timeline will be unique to your needs. General speaking, the dental process takes about six to eight months for most patients. However, if you require pre-treatments such as gum disease therapy or extractions, your treatment time could take up to a year. After an evaluation, your dentist will create a treatment plan which will include how long your treatment will take.
Contact Fullerton Craft Smiles Dental today to learn more about the dental implant process. You can reach us at (714) 888-7008 or by requesting an appointment online.