Dental Implant Process

If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants, you may be curious about what you’ll have to go through to get a full, permanent smile. The implant procedure takes place over a couple of appointments, leaving time for healing between steps.

Step 1: Consultation with Dr. Bram

When you arrive for your consultation, Dr. Bram will review your dental history and conduct an exam of your mouth. He’ll also take images of your mouth, like x-rays or digital scans, to get a clearer understanding of the situation. 

Dr. Bram will consider whether you’re a candidate for dental implants and discuss your options with you. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask him any questions you have about the upcoming dental procedures and your implant journey.

Step 2: The Implant Procedure

If Dr. Bram determines you need a supplemental procedure before receiving implants, you’ll have that procedure done before coming back for your implants.

We also offer Advanced-Platelet Rich Fibrin, or A-PRF, treatment. This treatment will help you to recover more quickly as well as reduces your pain and swelling.

Once any preparatory procedures have been done, the initial component will be placed. This piece is called the fixture. The fixture is made of titanium, so it will easily create a strong bond with your jawbone. 

The rest of the implant can’t be placed until the fixture has fused with your bone, so you’ll have to come back for the final part of the procedure.

Step 3: Recovery and Osseointegration Period

It takes about three to six months for the fixture to completely fuse with your jawbone and for the surrounding area to heal. The integration of the fixture is vital because it ensures your dental implant is stable by bonding with the jawbone.

When Dr. Bram confirms your recovery process is complete, the remaining two components can be placed.

Step 4: Complete Restoration

The last pieces of your restoration to be attached are called the abutment and the crown. Your replacement teeth will be aligned to fit your mouth so well they’ll feel like your natural teeth. Best of all, nobody else will be able to tell that you have replacement teeth. 

With all the parts of your dental implant placed, you can go back to living freely with a full smile. You won’t have to worry about eating restrictions or special care for your implants because they’re durable and meant to function like your regular teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the dental implant process take?

On average, the dental implant process from start to finish will take about three to six months. This time frame largely depends on each patient, as those who need supplemental procedures before being able to move forward with the implant procedure may need extra time for their mouth to heal before it can support their dental implants.

Is there any way to speed up the healing process?

We can use Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin, or A-PRF, to speed up your recovery from implant surgery. In addition to helping you enjoy your new smile sooner, A-PRF will also reduce pain and swelling after surgery. This means you can recover faster with a minimal level of discomfort.