First, an initial consultation must be performed to determine whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. Virtually all patients can receive implants, but many need additional grafting procedures or assistance to have adequate jawbone for the placement to be successful.
Once initial preparations are completed, the surgical placement of the dental implant(s) within the jawbone is performed.
Once the tooth implant(s) are securely in place, patients undergo a significant healing period before permanent restorations are placed. This time allows implant(s) to osseointegrate (naturally fuse with) the jawbone, allowing both to grow together, creating a strong, lasting foundation. The length of healing time patients require depends on the complexity of their case, but it could last anywhere from weeks to months. In the meantime, a temporary restoration limits disruption to everyday life. With All-On-4 dental implant treatment, patients have a customised denture placed on the same day as the placement of their implants, with a more durable prosthetic provided later on.
When using two-stage implants, an additional procedure is needed so a small connector, abutment, can be attached to the top of each implant. This important piece is what connects your dental implant to your new restoration.
Finally, your new dental crown, an implant-supported bridge or implant-retained denture, is created, personalised, and securely attached to the abutment(s), completing your new and improved smile.
Initial Consultation
When you decide to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth, the entire process begins with a simple phone call. All you need to do is contact Piney Point Dental Implant Center, and our friendly team will schedule you for an initial consultation. This appointment will give you a chance to ask any questions that you like, plus your Houston oral surgeon will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for the treatment or not.
In the dental office, once you’ve had time to meet and get to know one of our two Houston oral surgeons, either Dr Koo or Dr Weil, they’ll start by thoroughly examining your mouth and taking a variety of X-ray images. With this information, they’ll begin to lay out a plan for your implant surgery and help you decide which type of restoration is best for you.
They’ll also be able to tell you if you need any preparatory procedures before you can have implants placed. Suppose you have any ongoing oral or overall health issues (such as cavities, gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.). In that case, these must be addressed before the implant procedure can be performed. They may also suggest undergoing a bone graft if your jawbone is too thin or brittle to hold the implants securely. Should you need one, we can take care of it right here at Piney Point Dental Implant Center.
Once you have approved your plan with the oral surgeon, you’ll have a chance to work out the financial details, whether that entails using insurance and/or monthly financing.
Dental Implant Placement
After completing any necessary preparatory procedures, you’ll be scheduled for implant placement surgery. This will be carried out in our dental office, and we’ll use local anaesthesia and/or IV sedation to ensure your comfort the entire time.
After numbing you, your oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to expose the area of your jawbone where your tooth has gone missing. They will then create a small hole in the bone to fit the implant, position the post within the bone, and close the treatment site using self-dissolving stitches.
We strive to make this part of the process as painless as possible, and our patients typically report feeling very little discomfort either during or after their procedure. Most can go back to work the very next day. Some swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding are to be expected for a couple of days afterwards, but these can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Osseointegration
At this point, you’ll be given a few months to heal. Your gums will heal in about seven days, so most of this time is actually dedicated to providing the dental implants the opportunity to bond with the surrounding jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, enables your dental implants to provide a strong and steadfast foundation for your new teeth.
During this healing period, you can continue with your everyday life, as you will have been fitted with a temporary restoration. You’ll need to stick to a soft food diet for the first few weeks to make sure your implants have time to heal properly. Overall, this part of the process can take about three to six months, depending on a patient’s particular situation.
Abutment Placement
Once your oral surgeon is satisfied with how your implants have bonded to your jawbone, a small connector called an abutment will be placed on each individual implant post just above your gum line. For some, the abutments can be placed at the same appointment as their implants. You’ll then be given a few weeks so your gums can heal.
Dental Implant Restoration
After your gums have fully healed, the fun part is when you’re ready to receive your new teeth. Your implant dentist will take multiple impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth so they can custom-design a prosthetic to fit seamlessly into your smile. This could consist of an individual dental crown, implant-supported fixed bridge, or a denture.
Your impressions will be sent to a dental lab to fabricate your new teeth, and after a couple of weeks, you’ll return to our oral surgery office to have them attached to your implants using the abutments. After checking their fit and making sure your bite is aligned correctly, your new smile will finally be complete!
Excellent dentistry speaks for itself.
Digitally enhanced. Naturally worn.
Filling gaps the natural way.
Rediscover a beautiful new you.
Excellent dentistry speaks for itself.
Digitally enhanced. Naturally worn.
Filling gaps the natural way.
Rediscover a beautiful new you.
