Getting dental implants in Hiram is a lot more complicated than getting other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges. It involves a surgical procedure, several months of healing, and plenty of follow-up appointments. However, it will be more than worth it to have a solution to your missing teeth that looks and feels completely natural. Let’s look at each stage in the dental implant process so you know what to expect.
Initial Consultation
Before you can receive your implants, you must schedule a consultation with your implant dentist in Hiram. At this appointment, your dentist will take detailed x-rays and impressions of your mouth. The x-rays will let them know if you need a bone graft before your procedure. Then, you’ll schedule the surgical implant placement.
Bone Grafting
If you have been missing teeth for a while, your jawbone may have started deteriorating from lack of stimulation from your tooth roots. During this procedure, your dentist will either take bone material from elsewhere on your body, or, as is more common these days, use a synthetic bone material to strengthen your jawbone. Then, you will have to wait 4-12 months before your jaw is ready to receive the implants.
Implant Placement
During this minor surgical procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will insert the implants directly into your jawbone. This will take an hour or two, depending on how many implants you’re receiving. Then, over the next few months, your jawbone will actually grow around the biocompatible titanium posts.
Placing the Abutment
Once your mouth is healed, your dentist will place the abutment, which is a metal connector that attaches the implant to the final restoration, which is usually placed at the same time as the abutment.
Permanent Crown Placement
The crown is the visible portion of the tooth. After your abutment has been attached, your dentist will determine whether you’re getting a single crown, bridge, or denture to replace your missing tooth or teeth. The answer will depend on how big the gap in your grin is. Once this step in the process is complete, your smile will look good as new!
Now you have some idea of what to expect during the process of getting dental implants in Hiram. Hopefully now the process won’t be as daunting!
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Shirley is a dentist in Hiram, GA who started practicing at Distinctive Dentistry in 2005 and has never looked back. He is a member of the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Hinman Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, so he is an expert at restoring dental implants with flawless crowns. To schedule your implant consultation with Dr. Shirley, contact his office by clicking here.
