If you’ve visited our website before you know that implants are the preferable tooth restoration for most men and women with a missing tooth.
The dental implant process can take several dental visits over a period of months.
Don’t let this discourage you. At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS, we know each stage of the procedure is critical.
Remember that the tooth implant timeline is not a drawback. It is indicative of the permanent nature of a tooth implant.
The Dental Implant Timeline
1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment
A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).
It all starts with a consultation.
At your first visit to Steven T. Cutbirth DDS, we’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Be prepared to discuss your physical health in general and your medical history.
If you don’t have enough bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting surgery.
2. Tooth Implant Placement
The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how rapid and easy the procedure is.
- First, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the implant site.
- Dr. Cutbirth will make an incision in the gums. This opens the gums so the bone is accessible.
- Then, we drill a small hole. The hole is the precise diameter and depth of the post.
- The implant post is screwed into the hole in the bone.
- We’ll take an X-ray to verify the implant is in the correct place.
- We will then sew the gums back over the implant.
Dental implant placement will take from one to two hours.
OTC pain relievers are usually sufficient for post-surgery soreness. Most dental implant patients can go back to work after the surgery.
Soreness and swelling should subside after a few days. An ice pack (used on the cheek, not inside the mouth) can alleviate swelling.
If the implant site (and missing tooth) is visible when you smile, we will create a removable partial denture or flipper. You can wear this while you are waiting for the final restoration.
Make sure you practice daily dental hygiene but be extra gentle when cleaning around the surgical site.
3. Osseointegration
Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome a non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant. This is necessary to design an extremely heavy-duty foundation for the last restoration.
Titanium readily integrates with bone. The official term for this quality is ‘osteophilic’. For most patients, it takes from three to six months for the post and jawbone to become inseparable.
4. Placing the Final Restoration
The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.
When you have your new smile at the end of this process, it will all be worth it!
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710