If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental implant is an ideal solution to replace them. You will be able to enjoy a whole smile that looks beautiful and is fully functional, capable of biting and chewing all your favorite foods. Dental implants are secure in your mouth, and with proper care they can last for decades—even a lifetime.
There is no dispute that dental implants are the best tooth replacement option. However, we know that some people don’t understand how you get dental implants, and this keeps them from taking advantage of this powerful new option in dentistry.
The dental implant process is very straightforward and understanding the process can help you decide if implants are right for you.
Step 1: Consultation
The dental implant process begins with a consultation. The consultation is in-depth, and lets Garrett Goodling DDS evaluate your oral and overall health to decide if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. he will perform an oral health exam. He will ask you about your health history. He’ll also take a 3D x-ray (CT scan) that will provide detailed information about your gums and bones to help with the planning stage.
If Dr. Goodling has concerns about your overall health, he might ask you to talk to your doctor before proceeding. If he has concerns about your dental health, he might recommend dental procedures to help your mouth get healthy enough for dental implants. This might include gum disease treatment, a bone graft, or other treatments.
The consultation is also important because it gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your dental implants. One of the things that people like about our implant dentist is that he takes the time and really listens to you. He will answer your questions in clear, plain language. He understands your concerns and designs a dental implant solution that meets your goals for appearance, function, and ease of care.
Step 2: Planning
Once you have made decisions about the dental implant solution, he will do the hard part of planning how to implement the solution. With the use of powerful computer software that interfaces with the 3D scans of your bones, we can determine the optimal number of dental implants for you, and decide where they should be placed.
The software then orders all the necessary parts and can create a 3D mold to guide the placement of your dental implants. All the necessary components will be ready and waiting when you schedule your oral surgery.
Step 3: Implant Surgery for a New, Beautiful Smile
Thanks to the advanced planning tools, modern dental implant surgery is relatively quick and easy. If necessary, we will extract your old tooth or teeth. This is the most uncertain part of the process, as it’s sometimes hard to get them out. Otherwise, the procedure generally runs very smoothly, as utilizing a surgical guide makes it easy to place implants where they belong.
Once your dental implants are placed, we evaluate their stability. Often, dental implants are solid enough to have a new dental crown or dental bridge placed immediately. This will usually be a temporary restoration. Although it’s attractive and natural in appearance, it’s not designed to hold up long-term.
Even if you can’t get your dental crown or bridge right away, we have options to give you a full, attractive smile while your dental implants heal.
Step 4: Placing Permanent Restoration
Once your implants heal, you will get your permanent restorations, unless you got a permanent restoration at the time of your surgery.
Whether it’s a dental crown for replacing a single tooth, or a dental bridge for replacing multiple, the restoration will be made of high-quality materials that are both natural in appearance and highly durable. Once your dental restorations are in place, most people won’t be able to tell which teeth are natural and which are implants without very close inspection.
Step 5: Enjoy and Maintain Your Dental Implants
Once your restorations are in place, you will be able to enjoy your dental implants to the fullest. You can smile fearlessly and eat joyously. Meet friends for lunch and order whatever you want off the menu. Laugh and talk loudly without worrying about dentures coming out of your mouth.
Maintaining dental implants is easy: treat them more or less like natural teeth. Brush twice a day. Floss daily (or use a flossing tool like interdental cleaners or a water flosser). Make regular dental checkups and cleanings.
If you take good care of them, your dental implants will serve you well and serve you long. How long? We don’t exactly know, but 20-30 years is common, and some people report implants lasting 40 years or more.
Considering Dental Implants?
Are you missing one or more teeth? Would you like to replace them with dental implants? If so, it’s time to start the dental implant process today. Please call (302) 994-0979 or use our online form to schedule an appointment at the office of Garrett Goodling DDS in Wilmington, DE.
