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.
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