Dr. Rebol is an expert restorative dentist who offers several methods to replace teeth. Every option will deliver new teeth. However, dental implants are the superior choice, even though the process will take several months, if not longer, to complete. Many steps are involved. Below, we’ll review each step in the process.
Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process will be different for everyone. It will take at least several months to complete. However, some patients’ treatment can last up to a year. You must make several trips to our Asheville, NC dentist office.
Treatment Plan
The first step will always be the planning phase. Your dentist will examine your entire mouth and review your medical history. They will also take x-rays and any other diagnostics as needed. After this, your dentist will know how to treat and meet your needs. They will create a treatment plan that includes everything you need to restore your teeth.
Tooth Extractions
If your teeth do not fall out naturally, your dentist may need to extract them. Your teeth will suffer severe damage if you neglect them for many years. This may leave them damaged beyond repair. To prepare your mouth for dental implants, we must extract all the teeth we will replace.
Bone Grafting
If you do not replace your teeth fast enough or choose to wear a bridge or denture after tooth loss, you may suffer from bone loss. Once the decision to get dental implants is made, the bone may be too soft or not thick enough to support the implants. In this case, we may suggest a bone graft. This procedure will build back up the bone in the jaw where it is lacking. Then, the dental implants will have enough bone to support them and thrive.
Placement of Implant Fixtures
The placement of the dental implant fixtures requires surgery. Your dentist will cut open your gums to access the location in the bone where the implants will go. They will then drill a small hole into the bone and place the implants there. Once in place, your dentist will close up the gums and fit you for a temporary restoration if you need one.
Healing and Bone/Implant Fusing
Once the implants are in place, they will be left alone to heal and fuse with the jaw bone. After several months, the jaw bone will grow around the implants to create a sturdy dental restoration base. They will also act as missing tooth roots to help stimulate the jaw bone and prevent bone loss.
Placement of the Abutment
The next step is to place an abutment on each implant. This small part comes in many shapes and sizes based on the type of dental restoration you are getting. To place it, your dentist has to uncover the dental implants during another minor procedure. The site will need another few weeks of healing
Attaching the Final Dental Restoration
The final step is to secure your new, custom dental restoration. During your last appointment at our Asheville, NC, dentist office, your dentist will secure your crown, dental bridge, or denture. Your new teeth will function, look, and feel like natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about the dental implant process in Asheville, NC.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The time it takes to get an implant restoration is based on multiple factors. First, the process may take longer if you need pretreatments. We can address gum disease, extract problem teeth, and offer bone grafting to prepare you for treatment. You may need to heal for weeks after these pretreatments.
Then, getting your implants can take several months. After we place the implant posts, you need time to heal over 3 to 6 months. Then we place an abutment that can take weeks to heal. You can get your final restoration once you’re fully healed. We can also give you an estimate of your implant treatment time based on your needs.
How quickly can you get a dental implant?
The timeline for getting a dental implant depends on your individual needs and oral health. If you’re healthy, have enough jawbone, and don’t need any pretreatments like tooth extractions or bone grafting, a single dental implant can often be placed relatively quickly. In these cases, the initial procedure may only take a few months from start to finish, including healing time.
How many dental implants do I need?
The number of dental implants you need depends on how many teeth you are replacing and which type of restoration you choose. You just need a single implant for a missing tooth. For multiple missing teeth, a few strategically placed implants can support a dental bridge, which replaces several teeth at once. If you are missing all of your teeth, a full-arch restoration may require four to six implants per jaw to support a denture.
Do you get temporary teeth before you get your final implant restoration?
After the implant posts are placed, the jawbone needs time to fuse with the implants, which can take several months. During this healing period, temporary teeth can help you eat and speak with confidence.
Temporary restorations are designed to be functional and look natural, but they are not as strong as your final crown, bridge, or denture. Once your implants have fully healed, your dentist will replace the temporary teeth with your permanent restoration
Can I get implants if I already have a denture?
Yes, you can get dental implants even if you already wear a denture. Many patients choose implants to make their dentures more stable and comfortable. Implants can act as a strong foundation to hold your denture in place so it doesn’t slip or move while eating or speaking.
Depending on your needs, your dentist may place a few implants to support a full or partial denture. Sometimes, existing dentures can be modified to fit over implants, or a new denture may be made for the best fit and function.
How long does it take for implants to feel natural?
After dental implants are placed and your mouth has fully healed, most patients find that their new teeth feel natural and comfortable. Once we attach your final restoration, it may take a few weeks to get used to the feel of your new teeth. We’ll give you tips to make the adjustment easier as you speak and eat.
Schedule a Consultation
Call Rebol Family Dentistry for implant treatment at 828-247-7222. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Rebol online.
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