Looking into dental restoration processes can seem overwhelming and confusing for many people. The stress of dealing with tooth loss can be taxing enough and we don’t believe that restoring your missing teeth should bring on additional worry. Our patients here in Fort Worth, TX enjoy a straightforward treatment plan. Of course, we’d like to remind you that your exact treatment plan can vary according to several different aspects. Factors like oral health, overall health, and jawbone density are all taken into consideration by Dr. Snider. You can read more about specific qualifications on our dental implant candidacy page, but here is the general map of how the dental implant process can typically go:
The Process to a Beautiful Smile
Step 1: Meet With Dr. Snider for a Consultation: The first step in your journey toward a beautifully restored smile is to meet with your dentist to discuss your how dental implants will work with your specific case. At the consultation, an oral examination will take place to see if you have sufficient jawbone and gum support for your dental implant. There are options like bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation for those who lack sufficient jawbone and gum support. At this consultation, you can also address any and all concerns about dental implants. Dr. Snider and his team want you to feel comfortable with your decision to get dental implants. Ultimately, we want you to choose a restoration option that will be best for your specific case.
Step 2: Dental Implant Fixture Placement: Once you’ve determined dental implants are right for you and if necessary, had supplemental procedures like bone grafting or soft-tissue augmentation, you will go into surgery for the placement of the dental implant fixture. During the surgery, a small incision will in your gums. A special drill is then used to screw the dental implant fixture into place. The incision in the gums will then be stitched up and you will have temporary replacement teeth.
Step 3: Recovery and Osseointegration: You want to be extra careful with the pressure you put on your mouth during the recovery time after surgery. This is the most crucial part of the dental implant process because it is when osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is the process of the jawbone healing and fusing to the dental implant following surgery. This fusion is the backbone of the dental implant success rate of 95-98%. Patients won’t have to worry about facial collapse or unstable dental implants because it is held securely in place with the jawbone.
Step 4: Crown Placement: After osseointegration occurs, you will return to the office to have your permanent teeth restorations placed. These restorations are custom made to fit in with the rest of your smile. The color and size will be so close to your natural teeth, you won’t be able to differentiate your dental implant with your natural teeth.
Step 5: Show off Your Smile! Now that you’ve restored your missing teeth, you can feel confident with your smile. Remember to maintain your dental implants with daily brushing and flossing, along with visits to the dentist every six months. Additional appointments may be necessary but speak to your dentist about your specific case.
