What to Expect When Receiving Dental Implants
For those considering dental implant surgery, it is helpful to know what to expect during the process. At our Dearborn, MI, practice, our doctors can perform every step of treatment in-house for accurate, streamlined care. Because each patient is unique, the length of treatment can vary slightly for every individual. Understanding the dental implant timeline can help you prepare for surgery and enjoy a comfortable recovery process.
At Dearborn Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing top-tier care to our community. Our doctors maintain professional affiliations with many groups, including the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, The Francis B. Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Preparing for Surgery
The first step of the dental implant timeline is a comprehensive consultation at our practice. During this visit, your doctor assesses the health of the teeth, gums, and jawbone to confirm candidacy. Once this information is gathered, the treatment planning process can begin.
To be successful in the long-term, implants must be embedded in strong, healthy bone tissue. If substantial bone loss has occurred, we can perform a preparatory procedure to increase eligibility for dental implants. These treatments may include bone grafts or sinus lifts to increase jawbone volume. While not every patient will require preparatory procedures, those who do can expect to add several months to their dental implant timeline.
During your initial appointment, our team can provide a cost estimate, as well. We are proud to offer financing options through CareCredit® for the convenience of our patients.
Placement Process
Once the jawbone is ready, Dr. Mark Luria can place implants during a one to two hour procedure at our office. After making small incisions in your gums, he can insert the implants directly into the jawbone. We provide nitrous oxide sedation to help patients remain comfortable during treatment.
Recovery Process
Immediately after dental implant surgery, patients may notice some degree of discomfort and swelling, although this typically fades within a week or so.
While the initial recovery usually only takes one to two weeks, a few months of healing are required for the bone tissue to fuse to the titanium implant. This process is known as osseointegration and it is essential for long-term stability. As your jawbone continues to heal, we will monitor your progress to determine when you are ready for your final restoration.
Attaching the Abutment and Restoration
Before we can place your restoration, an abutment must be added. This small connector post extends slightly beyond the gum line and serves as a connection between your crown, bridge, or denture and the implant. After it is placed, impressions are taken and sent to our dental lab. Once your restoration is complete, it will be attached to the dental implant using cement or screw-retention.
All in all, the dental implant timeline can take as little as three months to as long as a year. Your specific timeline will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your case and your body’s natural healing capacity. During a consultation at Dearborn Family Dentistry, our doctors can give you an idea of how long your treatment will take.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are thinking about replacing teeth with dental implants, it is important to have a full understanding of the treatment timeline. If you still have questions about your case, feel free to call our office at (313) 565-5507 or contact us online anytime.
