Are you wavering about getting dental implants because you think it’s a painful, complicated treatment? Waver no more! Implant technology has made great strides over the years, making this treatment easier and more effective than ever. To learn more about implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Azusa Family Dentistry in Azusa, California.
For your convenience, Dr. Bhumin Patel has outlined seven key steps to completing dental implant treatment:
Step 1 Consultation/Evaluation
The first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Patel for an oral health exam and a review of your medical history to determine whether implants are right for you. We’ll take digital scans and X-rays of your mouth to assess your tooth and bone health and discuss your options for treatment. If you have questions or concerns about implant surgery, we’ll address those as well, so you’ll know what to expect.
Step 2 Treatment Planning
Using the data from your consultation, Dr. Patel will plan your procedure. We’ll make a digital model of your teeth to determine the number of implants you need and map out their placement in advance to simplify your procedure. Digital technology enables us to plan with greater accuracy and lower risk.
Step 3 Prep for Surgery
Many of our patients need pre-prep work, like bone grafting or tooth extraction, before they have surgery. Bone grafting replaces lost bone to keep the implants secure. We may also have to extract teeth with irreparable damage to pave the way for implants. These steps extend the time frame of your treatment but are necessary for a successful outcome.
Step 4 Implant Placement
Dr. Patel will make a small incision in your gum to gain access to your jawbone for implant placement. We’ll then drill a small hole in your jawbone, insert the implant, and suture your gum closed for healing. Each implant is placed individually, but they work together to support your new teeth. Local anesthesia and sedation will keep you comfortable and pain-free for this phase of your treatment.
Step 5 Osseointegration and Healing
Once the implants are placed, the process of osseointegration begins. This is where the implant fuses with the bone tissue around it to become a permanent tooth root. It can take from three to nine months for implants to fully heal. Dr. Patel will monitor your recovery to ensure it’s going smoothly.
Step 6 Placement of Abutments
Abutments are connectors between the implant and final restorations (crown, denture, or bridge). Once your implants heal, we’ll reopen your gums, attach abutments, and wait a week or two for them to heal before attaching your new teeth.
Step 7 Attachment of Restorations
Lastly, Dr. Patel will attach restorations to the abutments to finalize your treatment. These restorations are custom-made from digital impressions of your teeth to ensure a proper bite, a natural look, and a comfortable fit.
Where to Go for Dental Implants Near Me
Interested in getting dental implants? Schedule your consultation today by contacting Dr. Bhumin Patel from Azusa Family Dentistry in Azusa, CA at (626) 609-7239.
