Now that you’re considering dental implants with Dr. Craig S. Donn, let’s take a look at the process as a whole. On average, the process is completed within four to six months, but this number can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. How many implants you need, any supplemental procedures, and follow-up touch-ups will factor into your personal dental implant plan. Prior to beginning the process, Dr. Donn will work closely with you to figure out the best timeline that is most convenient for you in Cherry Hill and Camden County, NJ.
Step 1: The Consultation
As with any other health issue, the first step would be to consult with a medical professional. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Craig Donn to uncover if dental implants are best for you and your oral health. During the consultation, Dr. Donn will examine your oral health and answer any questions you may have about the process and details of the surgery. Ultimately, once Dr. Donn has assured that you are ready for surgery, a detailed timeline will be created.
One prerequisite for dental implants is that patients must have sufficient bone and gum support for the dental implants. Without these two tissues, the dental implants could easily fail or fall out. In that case, a few supplemental procedures are available to remedy this loss.
Supplemental Procedures
In cases where a patient is lacking in bone and gum support, there are two recommended procedures that are available – a bone graft or soft tissue augmentation (otherwise known as a gum graft). Both procedures are similar in nature – a bone graft takes a sample of bone from another part of the patient’s body, such as hip or shin bone, and applies it to the jaw. Likewise the gum graft removes tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and surgically applies it to the receded gum area. In both surgeries, the surgical areas are given time to heal and for the new implanted tissues to regenerate.
Step 2: Titanium Implant
The first piece of the dental implant is known as the titanium screw. This piece is shaped like a screw and is the first to be embedded in the mouth, below the gum line. It’s the anchor of the dental implant as a whole, where the beginnings of osseointegration first take place. Osseointegration is what makes dental implants so successful, creating a fusion of the implant to the bone. After the screw is embedded, the gum is laid over the implant and left to heal for a period.
Step 3: Abutment
The abutment is the cap for the titanium screw and also anchors the prosthetic tooth to the implant. The gum is removed from the top of the titanium screw and allowed to heal around the abutment, after it’s been placed. Another period of healing is required to ensure that the implant has a successful osseointegration.
Step 4: Prosthetic Tooth
The third piece is a more customizable piece as well. This prosthetic tooth is typically constructed from porcelain, which can be shaped and stained to match the rest of your smile with seamless clarity. The prosthetic tooth also effectively covers the titanium components of your implant, looking more natural and realistic than other forms of tooth replacement.
Step 5: Post-Operative Care
In the days after these procedures, it is natural to experience a little bleeding and some swelling. If you find that you’re experiencing prolonged bleeding or swelling, please contact us at Craig S. Donn, DDS right away. Dr. Donn will also advise you on any pain medications if you are experiencing pain from the surgical procedures as well.
Learn More About the Dental Implant Process
Now that you’ve gotten a glimpse of what the process entails for dental implants, we invite you to explore the rest of our site to fully understand dental implants and all their benefits. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Cherry Hill and Camden County, NJ with Dr. Craig S. Donn. During the consultation, Dr. Donn will examine your oral health and help determine if dental implants are best for you and your smile.