Dental implants remain one of the best ways to restore your natural smile. A dental implant looks, feels, and functions just like one of your own, natural teeth. The process for receiving a dental implant is one that typically involves multiple outpatient surgeries with periods of healing in between. The amount of time and healing needed does vary depending on your jaw and gum health.
The process:
First, the tooth that is damaged or causing issues is removed. Following this, your jawbone may be prepped if needed. Some people experience deterioration of the jawbone in which case bone grafting may be needed. Once the jawbone is determined to be ready, the implant itself is placed in the jawbone and given time to settle in. The healing process for the jawbone usually takes between three to six months.
A post is either placed with the implant or later on and will serve as the foundation for the crown, which is placed once the healing from the previous surgery is completed. The amount of time it takes for this process to complete depends on the health of your jawbone as well as your adherence to the recommendations your dentist makes to ensure the surgical site heals properly. If the post is placed on a separate visit from the implant the surgical site will need to heal for about two weeks before the crown is placed.
Is it worth it?
Although the process of receiving a dental implant can take some time, the result is a crown that functions just like one of your natural teeth. As long as all recommendations are followed along the way, the chances of success with your dental implant are high.
Our office is located right off of Interstate 81 in Enola, PA just minutes away from Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle, and Lemoyne. From dental implants to oral & maxillofacial surgery, and periodontal treatment, our center is specially designed to provide you with the smile that you deserve!
