The process to get dental implants will take several months and multiple visits to our Washington DC dentist office. This may seem like a long time but is necessary to ensure optimal long-term results. In order for your implants to be successful, Dr. Justin Deckard will need to make sure you are in good overall health, have enough jawbone to support the implants, and have no oral health issues (such as gum disease).
If you do have any of these issues, you will need to treat them before you can begin the process. The dental implant process may seem intimidating and expensive, but they are only the solution that will function like natural teeth. Below is a breakdown of what to expect at each step in the implant process.
The Dental Implant Process
Planning
Since the implant process is so complex, Dr. Deckard will spend a significant amount of time constructing a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs. He will use advanced methods and technology to ensure predictable results. By using Sirona CBCT technology in the planning phase, Dr. Deckard will be able to use high-quality images of your entire oral cavity to map out the precise placement of the dental implants.
Dental Implants Placement
As an expert in the field of implant dentistry, Dr. Deckard is able to perform all phases of the dental implant process at his Washington DC dentist office, even the surgical implantation phase. Dr. Deckard will first numb the area around the surgical site for your comfort. He will then surgically place your titanium implant posts using your detailed treatment plan. It typically takes about an hour to place a single implant. If you are getting multiple implants, it will take longer depending on how many implants you need.
Osseointegration
As with any surgery, you will need some time to heal properly. During this time, anywhere from three to six months, the implants will fuse with the surrounding jaw bone during a process called osseointegration. This is a critical step in the process because the long-term success of your implants is based on them properly fusing the jawbone. Depending on the location of your missing teeth, a temporary dental restoration may be placed.
Implant Impressions
The next step is to get impressions of your teeth and implants to create a mold. We will use this to fabricate your new dental restoration. Also, we may place a small connector piece called an abutment during this appointment. Typically, while you are healing from your abutment placement, your new teeth are being made in a dental laboratory. In a few weeks, your new restoration will be ready.
Placement of the Dental Restoration
During this appointment at our Washington DC dentist office, Dr. Deckard will attach your new restoration to complete your smile. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, he will secure a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a denture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the failure rate for dental implants?
The success rate of dental implants often exceeds 95%. However, the failure rate can range from 1% to 7%. The most common causes for dental implant failure include inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions. Poor placement techniques and improper healing time, and poor oral hygiene are additional causes. With proper care and regular monitoring, dental implants are one of the safest dental treatments available.
How painful is dental implant placement?
Dental implant placement is usually not painful. Oral surgeons perform the procedure under local anesthesia. As a result, you won’t feel pain during the surgery. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience some discomfort. The discomfort is similar to what you’d feel after a tooth extraction. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. Remember, everyone’s pain tolerance is different.
What is the process timeline for a tooth implant?
A tooth implant’s process timeline typically takes three to four months to complete. The first step is the planning phase. The planning phase includes imaging scans and consultations with the dentist to determine the placement of the dental implant. Next is the surgical phase. Your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and insert a titanium post into your jawbone. Following this, there will be several weeks of healing time as your bone gradually fuses with the titanium post. Finally, after healing, we will attach an abutment screw and place a customized crown or bridge on top of it.
What is the success rate of dental implant osseointegration?
The success rate of dental implant osseointegration is high. Studies show that 95 to 98 percent of dental implants successfully osseointegrate or fuse with the jawbone. Keep in mind that every patient is different. Your success will depend on factors like overall health, where in the jaw the oral surgeon placed the tooth implants and the skills of the dental surgeon.
Do dental implant impressions hurt?
Most patients don’t find dental implant impressions to be painful. You might feel pressure or discomfort when the dentist places the impression material into your mouth, but it’s generally a tolerable experience. Remember, your comfort is a priority for your dentist, so they’ll do their best to make the process as easy as possible for you. Don’t hesitate to let them know if you’re anxious – they’re there to help.
What does an implant-level impression mean?
An implant-level impression is a dental procedure that captures the exact position of a dental implant in the mouth. Think of it like taking a snapshot of where the dental implant sits in the bone and its relation to the surrounding teeth. This impression is crucial for creating a specific model of your mouth. The oral surgeon will then use it to design and copy the final prosthesis or crown that will attach to the implant. The goal is to ensure a perfect fit and a natural look so your new tooth blends with the rest.
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