Are You Curious About the 5 Stages of the Dental Implant Process?
Dental implants offer the most realistic and long-lasting solution for patients with missing teeth. However, it is vital to understand each stage in the process if you choose to replace your teeth with this method. The dental implant process involves several key stages. Each one is vital to the success of your tooth replacement treatment. Dr. Richard Sousa performs all five stages of the dental implant process in Roslyn Heights, NY.
The Dental Implant Process: A Step-By-Step Guide
The dental implant process is broken down into five stages. Each one is important however the planning phase is significant. Dr. Sousa uses advanced technology to plan your restorative dentistry treatment to ensure the best results. A well-planned treatment should be easy to execute. We break down each step to help you better understand the process and what to expect.
Initial Consultation and Pre-Planning
Your dental implant journey will begin with a consultation where Dr. Sousa will assess your oral health, take diagnostic images, and discuss treatment options. Dr. Sousa uses SimPlant®, a dental implant treatment planning software. This sophisticated dental technology helps him plan your entire dental implant placement procedure. It will help locate the best place to insert the implant fixtures based on your oral anatomy, bone density, and other factors. Before your implant placement, Dr. Sousa will have your entire dental implant treatment mapped out.
Surgical Placement of the Dental Implant
Stage two is your dental implant surgery. We will use local anesthesia for the surgical placement of the implant fixtures. Dr. Sousa uses the SurgiGuide® dental drill guide to place the dental implants in their precise location along the arches in your mouth. He will expose the jawbone and then drill a hole for the implant. Dr. Sousa will carefully place a titanium implant into the jawbone. He will use sutures to close the incision.
Jawbone to Implant Fusion
After implant placement, stage three of the process begins. This is a crucial phase follows known as osseointegration. Over the next few months, the jawbone and the implants undergo a biological process where they fuse. Osseointegration is vital for the stability and durability of the implant. During this stage, we will give you specific post-operative care instructions to follow that are specific to your case. It is important to follow them to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Abutment Surgery
Once you achieve osseointegration successfully, the fourth stage involves attaching an abutment to the implants. An abutment is a connector that protrudes from the gum and provides support for the final restoration. In some cases, abutment surgery is a separate minor procedure performed after the initial implant placement has healed. Impressions of the abutment are taken to create a custom-fit dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
Final Restoration Placement
The last and fifth stage of the dental implant process is the placement of the final restoration. Depending on your specific needs, this will be a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. We will carefully design your permanent dental restoration to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This will ensure a seamless blend with your existing teeth. Dr. Sousa will affix the restoration to the abutment, completing the dental implant treatment. This provides you with a functional and aesthetically pleasing result.
To learn more about the dental implant process, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sousa. He performs every stage of the dental implant process in Roslyn Heights, NY.
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