How do dental implants work? Understanding the process and mechanics of dental implants is essential for anyone considering this restorative option. At Reflections Dental Spa, we ensure that our patients are well-informed and comfortable with each stage of the dental implant journey.
Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through the implant dentistry process, ensuring that you understand how each step contributes to the final outcome—a brand-new restoration that not only looks remarkable but feels natural and functions efficiently. Call our team today to learn more!
Understanding the Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process involves a series of steps. When all is finished, you will have a brand-new restoration that looks and feels amazing. These are the steps involved in the dental implant procedure:
- Call our office for your consultation. First, you’ll need to visit our office for your consultation. You will get to meet our dentists, who will perform a 3D examination of your mouth. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, address your concerns, and receive a breakdown of the cost of the procedure.
- Receive a bone graft, if necessary. During your consultation, we will examine your existing bone structure to determine if you have sufficient bone density for a dental implant. If we determine that you need a bone graft, we must perform that procedure prior to placing a dental implant.
- Get the dental implant. When you come in for your dental implant, we will administer an anesthetic to relax you prior to the procedure. Your dentist will place your dental implant and provide you with aftercare instructions for the healing process.
- Get the abutment and dental crown. The final stage of the dental implant process involves the placement of the abutment and crown. The dentist will take impressions of your teeth to design your dental crown. After your mouth has healed and osseointegration has occurred, we will schedule an appointment to place your dental crown.
Preparing for Dental Implant Placement
The best way to prepare for the placement of your dental implant is to have all of your questions answered. Our office provides a consultation to answer all of your questions about the procedure and give you peace of mind about what to expect.
During this initial consultation, we’ll discuss your dental history, examine your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for implants, and explain the steps involved in the process. This is a great opportunity to address any concerns and learn how implants can transform your smile.
Schedule your consultation today by calling our office.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is the first step in restoring your smile. When you come in for your procedure, your dentist will ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable. We will start by administering sedation before we begin. Your dentist will then place the implant. This process typically takes 1–2 hours. When you are finished, the dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions for the healing process.
Abutment and Crown Placement
After your mouth has healed from the dental implant procedure, it is time to place your abutment and crown. The abutment connects your implant (the titanium rod replacing your tooth’s root) to the crown (the visible portion of the tooth). This step is crucial for ensuring that the final restoration looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Precision and care are taken to match the color and shape of the crown to your existing teeth, providing a seamless appearance. This final phase brings you one step closer to a fully restored and beautiful smile.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are incredibly durable and can last for decades with proper care. To take care of your dental implants, you should practice proper oral hygiene including daily brushing and flossing. Beyond daily care, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to ensure the longevity of your implants. Avoiding habits like smoking can also prolong their life.
With the right maintenance, your implants can serve as a lifelong solution, contributing to your oral health, function, and aesthetic appearance without the need for frequent replacements or adjustments.
Why Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are one of the most popular restorations because they replicate the form and functionality of a natural tooth. An implant consists of three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the dental crown.
During the implant procedure, the implant post will be placed in your gum. Once it heals, the implant post will fuse with your jaw in a process known as osseointegration.
What Kind of Dentist Places Dental Implants?
Dentistry is a highly specialized field, and most dentists have an area of practice in which they are more skilled. Our periodontist has the required knowledge and experience to place dental implants.
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. They receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. This specialization equips them with the skills necessary to ensure dental implants are placed precisely and comfortably, optimizing their function and longevity.
Choosing a periodontist for your dental implant procedure ensures you’re receiving care from someone deeply knowledgeable about the gum and bone structure, which are critical to the implant’s success.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on a variety of factors including the number of implants, length of the procedure, materials used, and additional procedures required (such as a bone graft). Whether or not you have dental insurance can impact your out-of-pocket costs as well.
Because of these considerations, we are unable to provide a quote online, but we do offer a consultation. During your consultation, we will perform an examination, create a custom treatment plan, and provide an itemized breakdown of the procedure cost.
For Quality Dental Implant Placement, Contact Our Office Today!
Our San Ramon and East Bay area dentists specialize in dental implants. When you step into our office, you will discover the premium treatment that we can provide for you. We will work with you during every step of the process to design a treatment plan that is right for you. Schedule your consultation today by giving our team at Reflections Dental Spa a call.