Breaking Down the Dental Implant Process
The decision to receive dental implants is a significant investment into your oral and overall health. Knowing what to expect during each phase of treatment is also important in helping patients feel confident in choosing this life-long investment.
Starting with your consultation at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry, Dr. Dillard and his associates will help you determine if dental implants are the right restorative procedure for you. During this visit, we’ll cover every step of the process and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future with dental implants.
Initial Consultation
The process of receiving dental implants begins with identifying any oral health problems and determining whether you are a candidate for dental implants. During your consultation, our Lowcountry oral surgeon will conduct a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to help determine the current state of your oral health. This gives a much-needed insight into complications and helps identify whether any pretreatments such as bone grafting or gum disease therapy will be needed to make sure your implant procedure is successful.
After your examination, you’ll sit down one-on-one with Dr. Dillard to discuss your treatment options and goals. If dental implants are determined to be the best option for you, we are here to walk you through all of the details about the process so there are no surprises. In the event your smile requires preparation, we’ll perform any preliminary treatments necessary.
Inserting the Fixture
The first procedure in receiving your dental implants is the surgical placement of a titanium screw or post called a fixture. During the surgery, a small hole will be made into the jawbone, in which the implant fixture is inserted. Once the post is in place, our Lowcountry dentist will mount a temporary cap to protect the implant during the healing process.
Recovery and Osseointegration
Recovery following dental implant placement is especially important to the success of your implant. During this recovery period, the jawbone begins to fuse to the titanium post. Known as osseointegration, this process is critical to making sure holding the fixture in place and creates a durable, stable base for the remaining parts of the restoration. We will provide you with a list of post-surgery instructions and might schedule some follow up appointments to make sure the jawbone is healing correctly.
Attaching The Restoration
After the fixture has fully fused with the bone, you’ll return to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry for the placement of the last two pieces. During this visit, our dentists will place the abutment and crown in the final step of the implant procedure. The abutment is a small screw that secures the crown to the implant fixture correctly. Finally, your porcelain crown is mounted onto the abutment and is given a final check to make sure it fits correctly. When you leave our dental office, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, healthy, and fully restored smile.