At Smiles in Jackson, we understand that the prospect of dental implant surgery can seem daunting. That’s why our experienced team, led by Dr. Tharp, Dr. Klaus, and Dr. Kelly, is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and effective dental implant procedures. Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to start your journey towards a fully restored smile? Call us today at (601) 939-4100 to schedule your personalized consultation at our Flowood, MS dental office.
The dental implant process is a multi-step journey that typically spans several months. While this might seem like a long time, it’s crucial for ensuring the long-term success and stability of your new teeth. Let’s break down each stage of the process:
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Flowood office. During this visit:
This initial assessment helps us determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Once we’ve determined that dental implants are right for you, we’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan will outline:
We’ll discuss this plan with you in detail, ensuring you understand each step and answering any questions you might have.
Some patients may require additional procedures before implant placement to ensure the best possible outcome. These may include:
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout. We offer sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety. Our dentist will make a small incision in your gum to access the jawbone. Using precise, computer-guided techniques, we’ll carefully place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. The incision is then closed with sutures.
The dental implant surgery usually takes one to two hours per implant. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
After the implant is placed, a crucial healing period called osseointegration begins. The implant post fuses with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation for your new tooth. This process typically takes three to six months, depending on individual healing factors. You’ll be able to return to your normal routine within a few days of surgery.
You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. While it might seem like a long wait, this healing period is essential for ensuring the long-term success of your implant.
Once osseointegration is complete, we’ll place the abutment – a small connector piece that attaches the implant to your final restoration. This procedure is usually quick and minimally invasive.
We’ll make a small incision to expose the top of the implant. The abutment is attached to the implant. The gum tissue is then closed around, but not over, the abutment. In some cases, we might be able to place the abutment at the same time as the implant.
After abutment placement, your gums will need about two weeks to heal before we can attach your final restoration.
The final step in your implant journey is the placement of your custom-made restoration. This could be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth you’re replacing.
We’ll take impressions of your mouth to create your custom restoration. The restoration is crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once ready, we’ll attach the artificial teeth (or tooth) to the abutment. We’ll check your bite and make any necessary adjustments.
You’ll leave our office with a fully restored, beautiful smile!
Your implant journey doesn’t end with the placement of your restoration. Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the long-term success of your implants:
With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime!
On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.
Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. At Smiles in Jackson, we’re ready to help you achieve a fully restored, beautiful smile with dental implants.
Call us today at (601) 939-4100 to schedule your consultation in Flowood, MS. Let our compassionate team guide you through the implant process and help you regain the confidence that comes with a complete, healthy smile.
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