If you are dealing with missing teeth, one of the best solutions modern dentistry provides is dental implants in Baltimore.
These are artificial teeth beloved both by dentists and patients because they not only restore the look of your smile but are able to support your overall jaw and oral health.
If you’ve been thinking about getting dental implants, you probably have lots of questions about how this procedure works and how long the process takes.
Here’s a quick overview of the process and how long it takes:
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Right at the beginning, you will need to go through a thorough oral exam to determine if your oral health, gums, and jaw can support the implant.
You may need X-rays or even 3D scans to get a fuller picture. The assessment is often completed in just 1 session, and if you are a good candidate, your dentist will schedule the next stage of the procedure.
Dental surgery has a fairly straightforward process. The dentist will make an incision in your gums and implant a metal post into the jaw bone.
The surgery itself doesn’t usually last very long, so you will most likely be out of the office sooner than expected. The metal post acts as the dental implant’s root and serves as the foundation of the entire reconstruction.
The surgery itself is done quickly, but after it, you’ll enter a slow process called osseointegration.
During it, all the tissues (bone, gums) heal and fuse around the implant, effectively holding it in place. Unfortunately, osseointegration can be a frustrating process because it lasts very long. Some patients need around 4-6 months to heal after implant surgery.
Once fully healed, you’ll be ready to receive the abutment and custom crown, effectively finishing the procedure.
The abutment is a cushion designed to connect the crown to the metal post and absorb the shock created while chewing. The crown is the visible part of the implant, designed to match the rest of your teeth.
These two last steps are usually done in around 2-3 weeks.
Sometimes, patients will need additional procedures before receiving dental implants to restore jaw bone mass.
Bone grafting and sinus lifts are commonly used to restore the jaw bone and create enough space for the implant to be properly inserted.
However, each of these procedures has its own healing timeline, so the implant process might be delayed.
Dr. Dawn Merguerian can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and restore the health and appearance of your smile.
To get started, book a dental implant consultation at Waterfront Dental online, or call (410) 505-0551 today.
