You’ve been living without your teeth, but there is help for you with dental implants in Oakton. If you don’t know much about the procedure, though, then stick around as your local dentist weighs in to explain how the process works and what steps you’ll need to take to prepare for the treatment. We now start our journey to the world of complete restoration, increased confidence and improved dental function!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the underlying jawbone and act as replacements for your missing roots. Over time, the posts fuse with your existing bone through a process called osseointegration and form a sturdy foundation that supports both your dental and facial structures.
Methodically, your dentist will take you through each step of the process to ensure that you have the best outcome.
It Starts with the Consultation
Arguably, the most important step of the dental implant procedure is the consultation. During this visit, your dentist will carefully evaluate your current condition to determine how much healthy bone you have, to capture multiple images of your oral cavity and to ultimately determine whether you are a good candidate for the dental implant procedure.
You’ve Got the Green Light
As part of your preparation for the dental implant process, you’ll need to have the following:
- Good Oral Health – If you have an oral problem like gum disease, it will need to be treated before you can have any implants inserted. That’s because the diseased tissue could cause the implant to fail prematurely.
- Good Overall Health – It’s equally important to have a reasonable portion of overall health. One of the reasons this is so important is that you’ll receive anesthesia before the surgery starts.
If you can meet these criteria, then you’ve got the “green light” to move forward.
How the Implant is Placed
The placement of the dental implant starts with your dentist making an initial incision and then inserting the dental implant into the jawbone. You’re then allowed time to heal. Following that, these steps are taken:
- Abutment Placement – After a few months of healing, you’ll be invited back to your dentist’s office to have an abutment placed. This is an extension of your implant that allows a restoration to be attached.
- Restoration Placement – After another brief healing period, the final restoration (crown, bridge or implant-retained dentures) will be attached. This custom fixture is designed early in the process based on the information gathered at your initial consultation.
After your restoration is in place, your smile, confidence and function will be intact. You’ll leave the office feeling and looking like a brand-new person.
The process starts with reaching out to your implant dentist in Oakton to schedule a visit.
About the Author
Dr. Pasquale Giordano earned his DDS degree from the University of Maryland. In his postgraduate capacity, he’s remained dedicated to expanding his knowledge, which keeps him at the forefront of the latest advances in dental technology. Additionally, Dr. Giordano takes hours of continuing education and attends conferences annually in such areas as Oral Conscious Sedation, implant placement and restoration. He helps patients restore their smiles with dental implants at Oakton Dentistry by Design and can be reached for more information through his website.