- (562) 373-0026
- 532 Redondo Ave
- Long Beach, CA 90814
- Hablamos Español
Dental implants are the preferred method of replacing missing teeth, strengthening your bite and revitalizing your smile.
Inserted into the jawbone, dental implants are small posts made of titanium that will attach to crowns, bridges and dentures. This is their greatest advantage – implants provide far greater stability, security and durability for your new teeth than traditional tooth replacement treatments.
Dental implants are not a procedure that can be done in one visit, it is performed in stages and has multiple steps.
As a leading dental office in Southern California, Dentist of Long Beach knows that getting dental implants is a big decision, but they are well worth it.
The dental implant process is different for everybody, which is why there is no set timeline. From the consultation to the recovery, there are many variables. Before surgery happens, there are a few steps that must occur first.
We break the process down as follows. At Dentist of Long Beach, we start the dental implant process by first understanding your oral health situation.
It all starts with a 45-60 minute consultation that gives you and your dentist a chance to discuss your health, dental needs and whether or not dental implants are a viable option for you.
During the initial consultation, the dentist evaluates your teeth, gums and jawbone with a comprehensive dental exam that may include 3D images and x-rays. We will also go over your medical history in detail.
In order to receive dental implants, a patient must have:
After the evaluation, a plan is created just for you. This tailored plan is based on factors like the condition of your teeth and jawbone, whether or not teeth need to be extracted, necessary pre-surgery procedures and the number of teeth being replaced. This will all play a role in the timeline of your dental implant process.
Once the patient and dentist have finalized and agreed upon a treatment plan, impressions will be taken of your teeth and jaw. This usually happens one or two weeks after the initial consultation.
This is the time to ask any questions you may have about what you can expect during or after surgery and bring up any anxieties you may be experiencing.
Some, not all, patients may need procedures done before starting dental implant surgery. Those procedures may include:
If there are any remaining teeth that will be replaced, your dentist will remove them before performing any part of the implant insertion. The dentist will review your anesthesia options, and will most likely utilize a local anesthetic to numb the area and remove the tooth.
Once the necessary teeth are extracted, your dentist can begin dental implant surgery the same day. However, for patients with bone loss or infection, a bone graft may be required.
A bone graft ensures that the dental implant will have a good bone foundation to adhere to, and is a very important stage. After a bone graft, the area will need to heal before dental implant surgery can take place. Usually, the healing time after bone grafting is at least three months.
Dental implant surgery is done using general anesthesia, IV sedation or local anesthesia. Your dentist will let you know ahead of time which sedation option is recommended.
If you are receiving an endosteal implant, the oral surgeon will first open your gums to expose your jawbone. Holes are then drilled into your bone at the implant insertion area. If you have a subperiosteal implant, the implant is inserted above or on the bone, and no drill is used.
After the implant is inserted, osseointegration starts. This process is when the jawbone grows and combines with the dental implant and provides a strong base for the artificial tooth, acting as a root. The healing process after this procedure takes several months.
When the osseointegration process is complete, the abutment can then be placed. Your oral surgeon will open your gums again, exposing the dental implant.
The abutment will then be attached to the dental implant, and the surrounding gum tissue is then closed, leaving the abutment exposed. The healing process for this step is about two weeks.
After your gums are healed, it’s time to attach your new artificial tooth.
Discomfort is natural after dental implant surgery. Typical discomfort patients commonly feel once the procedure is done include:
Antibiotics or pain medications may be necessary. If the swelling, pain or any other problems worsen in the days following your procedure, contact your oral surgeon for assistance.
Due to each patient’s unique situation, dental implant recovery time isn’t set in stone. A few things that can affect the time it takes to recover include:
On average, the healing time for patients is generally between four and six months.
Once you’ve made it through dental implant surgery, you’ll want to take great care of your mouth to ensure recovery is fast and easy.
After surgery, consider taking the rest of the day off. Avoid strenuous activities and those that involve high levels of concentration, like driving.
Stick to cool, soft foods that have nutritional value, which will expedite your healing and reduce the risk of post-op complications.
Do your best to protect the clot as it is healing. To keep it undisturbed, avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and drinking from straws. If you smoke, try not to for a few days.
No matter if you’ve been missing teeth for a few days or much longer, dental implants provide remarkable results when it comes to replacing lost teeth.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Long Beach area who will help you understand the dental implant process and be with you every step of the way, we have years of experience providing patients in Southern California with the information and care they need.
Learn if dental implants are a match for you at Dentist of Long Beach when you come in for a consultation. Contact us at (562) 373-0026 today to schedule an appointment!
CALL (562) 373-0026
OR
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
