Since missing teeth can affect confidence and the way we eat and speak, it is typical for patients to want the implant process to be fast. Receiving dental implants, however, is not as quick as one may expect.

If you’re considering dental implants, start the process as soon as possible. The sooner you and Dr. Mike agree implants are the right choice, the sooner your smile will once again be beautiful and whole.

The dental implant process

While the dental implant process varies from patient to patient, the average implant candidate can expect the following:

Initial examination: Before the implant process can move forward, you’ll need to schedule an initial examination with Dr. Mike. It’s critical that your oral health is in optimal condition to support the implants. If your tooth loss is recent, or you had to have teeth extracted, it is necessary for the area to be healed before implant surgery can occur (usually a matter of weeks). If you suffer from bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary prior to implant placement. Dr. Mike will also ask questions about your overall health and any medications you’re taking. Some medications and health issues can negatively impact the healing of your implant. Once you’re given the green light, you can move on to either a bone graft or the implant surgery.

• Possible bone graft: If your jaw requires a bone graft, this will delay your implant surgery by several months. Although this may be disappointing for some patients, the new bone needs time to bond with your jaw. Once your jaw is fully healed, the implant surgery can be scheduled.
• Implant surgery: Implant surgery typically lasts about one to two hours per implant. During the surgery, Dr. Mike will insert the implant post. This replaces the root of your natural tooth. After the surgery is complete, you’ll need time to heal from the surgery. It may take four to six months before your jaw is completely healed. During this time, you may wear dentures or partials to conceal the tooth loss.
• Crown addition: Finally, Dr. Mike will take impressions of your teeth and create a natural-looking crown for the implant. Once the crown(s) is placed, you can return to your normal eating and drinking habits, just as you enjoyed before tooth loss.

Cleveland Implant Institute is happy to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Mike will answer all your implant-related questions and walk you through the process, step-by-step. Call us today to schedule an appointment.