Dental Implants Fixation Process In Killeen – Process Breakdown

Here’s a short explanation of what to expect in the whole journey.

Stage 1: Consultation
When it is your first visit to the dentist, they start with a thorough mouth examination. Other than just screening via their eyes, they might also use X-rays to check the overall health of your oral cavity to see if there is enough jawbone for the implant.

During this appointment, you can easily discuss your preferences with the dentist. They will talk about how you want your implant to look like, especially if it is just one tooth. Usually, in such a scenario, ceramic crowns are the best choice. However, in the case of multiple teeth, other options, like bridges, are suitable.

Other than that, the dentist will also review your medical history. They should know if you have any health condition that can affect the result of your implant procedure. If they find that your jaw lacks enough bone density for an implant, they may suggest getting a grafting procedure before the actual implant surgery takes place.

Stage 2: The First Appointment
It’s D-day!

After you are given the green signal, everything is set up for you. Your surgeon will apply a local anesthetic before the procedure to ensure that you don’t feel any pain.

Getting dental implants for your missing teeth does not hurt at all! So, that’s one myth busted!

Next comes the main part – the placement of your dental implant. Your oral surgeon will make a tiny cut to open your gums and expose the jawbone. Then, they strategically drill holes into the bone for the implant post, which acts like the new tooth root.

The entire procedure may take 1 to 3 hours more or less, depending on the severity of your case. However, do not worry; usually, the patients can drive home after the procedure since only a local anesthetic is used.

Stage 3: Appointment Number 2
Once a dental implant post is surgically in place, it takes a few months for the bone to fuse with it. Usually, this process takes less than 9 months.

Once the fusion is complete, the next step is to fix an abutment to the post. This involves opening up the gum tissue again and securing the abutment onto the top of the post, just above the gum line. After this process, a custom restoration is made (a crown).

Recovering from dental implant surgery is different for everybody and depends on a few factors. Some of them include your medical and dental history, the condition of your jawbone before surgery, and whether you needed gum or bone grafting can all affect your recovery time.

The good news is that usually, the recovery process is only a few days to a few weeks long. You might feel a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of days, but you are likely to get back to your normal self pretty quickly.

It’s important to keep in mind that it can take several months for your jawbone and gum tissue to fully heal after the surgery. Factors like your age, overall health, and oral hygiene habits can also play a role in your recovery time.

Want to learn more about this process? Contact dental care experts from ACE Dental of Killeen for more details. Dial (254) 699-6000 for more information and other services we offer.