Step-by-Step Guide to the Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants could be your ideal solution. At Rock River Dental, as your reliable dentist in Fort Atkinson, 53538, we provide a spectrum of restorative treatments, encompassing crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. In our thorough guide, we will navigate you through each phase of acquiring dental implants, illustrating why they are a favored restoration method for your smile.

Why Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants have gained popularity for good reason. They come with several advantages that make them a top choice for replacing missing teeth:

• Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance, feel, and function. You can eat, chew, and speak confidently, without worrying about discomfort or slippage.
• Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require healthy teeth to serve as support. Therefore, neighboring teeth remain unaffected by the restoration process.
• Bone Health: Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, effectively stimulating it when you chew. This stimulation helps maintain the strength and density of the bone, preventing the deterioration that often occurs with other restorations like dentures.
• Preservation of Facial Structure: Over time, the loss of teeth can lead to changes in your facial structure, giving you a sunken appearance. Dental implants help prevent this by maintaining your natural facial contours.

Let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step process of getting dental implants, now that you understand why they are an excellent choice..

Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning

The first and most important step in the process of getting dental implants is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Fort Atkinson, WI. During your dental visit, your dentist will assess your oral health by reviewing your medical history, conducting dental X-rays, and evaluating the condition of your jawbone and surrounding tissues.

If you are found to be a suitable candidate for dental implants, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that outlines the number of implants required and the specific procedures involved.

Step 2: Tooth Extraction: Should you have a tooth that is decayed or damaged and requires an implant, the initial step your dentist will undertake is the removal of the affected tooth. However, in some cases, this step may not be necessary, and you can proceed to the next step directly.

Step 3: Bone Grafting: In cases where your jawbone is not sufficiently dense or voluminous for an implant, a bone graft might be suggested. This procedure involves adding bone material to the area to enhance the strength and stability of the implant site. It may take several months for the graft to fully integrate with your natural bone.

Step 4: Implant Placement

Once your jawbone is ready, the actual implant placement can begin. This is typically done in a series of steps:

• Incision: Your dentist will create a small cut in your gum to reveal the underlying bone.
• Drilling: A precise hole is then drilled into the jawbone to accommodate the implant.
• Implant Insertion: The dental implant, typically composed of titanium due to its biocompatibility and ability to fuse with bone, is carefully placed into the drilled hole.
• Healing Abutment: A healing abutment is screwed onto the implant, and the gum tissue is closed over it with sutures.

Step 5: Osseointegration

After implant placement, a critical process called osseointegration occurs. This is where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. It can take several months for osseointegration to complete, during which you’ll need to be patient and follow your dentist’s instructions for care.

Step 6: Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is successful, you will return to your dentist to have the healing abutment replaced with a custom abutment. This piece acts as the foundation for the final restoration and is attached securely to the implant.

Step 7: Final Restoration

Once the abutment is in place, impressions of your teeth will be taken by your Fort Atkinson dentist to produce a custom restoration, like a crown, replicating the aesthetics and functionality of your real teeth.

Step 8: Attachment of the Restoration

Upon readiness of the restoration, it will be securely affixed to the abutment by your dentist, ensuring a look that’s both natural and fitting. The result is a fully functional tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Step 9: Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

After completing the dental implant procedure, it’s essential to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Routine visits for check-ups and cleaning at your Fort Atkinson, WI, dentist are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and longevity of your dental implants.

Conclusion

Choosing dental implants represents a significant solution for tooth replacement, providing a look that is natural, enduring, and comfortable, thus elevating your smile and oral health. If you’re in the Fort Atkinson area and are considering dental implants, Rock River Dental is your trusted partner for this life-changing procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on the journey to a healthier, more confident smile with dental implants near you. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back; let dental implants bring back your beautiful smile!