Dental implants are the premier tooth restoration for patients with one or more missing teeth. While it may take time to receive dental implant restorations, this process is worth it for many patients. Dr. Vernon Sheen coordinates each step of the implant process. He works with a local lab and oral surgeon and uses dental technology to restore implants. We welcome you to learn more about the dental implant procedure in our Annapolis, MD, office.
The Dental Implant Procedure in Annapolis, MD
There are multiple steps to the dental implant process, from initial planning to the final restoration. The dental implant procedure includes:
Treatment Planning
Before placing any implants, Dr. Sheen will take digital X-rays of your mouth. X-rays are valuable tools for planning implant treatment. With these X-rays, Dr. Sheen can see the teeth, gums, and jaw and find signs of dental infection or abscess.
After a comprehensive evaluation, Annapolis, MD, dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen will create a personalized dental implant treatment plan. Dr. Sheen will recommend the best implant restoration based on your budget, medical and dental history, and number of missing teeth.
Pretreatment
Dr. Sheen will treat problems like gum disease and tooth decay before implant treatment. He may remove problem teeth if he cannot save them with a root canal or filling. If you do not have enough jaw bone to support implants, Dr. Sheen will recommend bone grafting. Grafting builds up your jawbone, giving you a foundation for the implant posts.
These pretreatments ensure you have a stable and healthy foundation for your implants. The proper preparations will help your implants last for many years.
A dental implant procedure requires multiple visits over several months. Dr. Sheen will coordinate the initial surgical phase with a local oral surgeon and follow up with you to ensure optimal healing.
Placing the Implant
An oral surgeon will place the dental implant, a tiny titanium post, into the bone. The oral surgeon will use local anesthesia but may offer total sedation as well if you suffer from dental anxiety.
The length of the surgery will depend on how many implants are placed and whether or not you get a bone graft. For placement of only one dental implant, surgery will last about an hour.
The level of discomfort after surgery depends on each individual. Most people will experience mild discomfort. If needed, your oral surgeon will give you pain medicine and antibiotics after surgery. Some swelling and bruising can be expected.
Implant Healing
Keep your mouth as clean as possible after the placement of the implant. You should also avoid sucking on a straw, smoking, and spitting. This will dislodge the blood clot and delay healing time significantly.
You should keep brushing your teeth as usual but avoid the surgery site. We may give you an antibacterial rinse to keep your mouth clean. Depending on your case and the position of the missing tooth or teeth, we will place a temporary dental crown while the dental implant heals.
The newly implanted post typically integrates with the bone tissue over 3 to 6 months. During this time, the jaw bone grows around the dental implant. The healed implant will serve as the artificial root for the new tooth.
Restoring the Dental Implant
Once the dental implant has healed and integrated with the surrounding bone, we place an abutment on the implanted post. This will serve as a foundation for the placement of the prosthetic tooth.
While the dental implant is healing, we will fabricate your dental crown. The crown will be molded based on impressions of your teeth to ensure it fits your smile.
If you receive a single dental implant, Dr. Sheen will utilize CEREC. This state-of-the-art system uses CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate ceramic restorations in just one day. CEREC can create dental crowns with precision and predictable results during a single visit. Alternatively, if you need a bridge or denture, Dr. Sheen will work with a dental lab to create your restoration.
After another brief healing period, we will place the final restoration, and your new smile will be complete. We will attach the dental crown to the implant for a permanent restoration.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?
Your total implant treatment time will depend on multiple factors. It takes one to two hours to place one implant. Then, your implants require time to heal, which can take three to six months. Your gums need time to recover after we place the abutments.
You may also require time to heal from gum therapy, tooth decay treatment, or bone grafting. These pretreatments can add more to your total treatment time. In the most severe cases, it can take up to a year to complete the entire implant process. We will estimate the length of your dental implant procedure in our Annapolis, MD office.
How to Care For Dental Implants
After your new smile is complete with dental implants, we recommend a healthy diet and brushing twice daily. A diet high in sugar can attract harmful bacteria to your mouth. Infection cannot affect crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, bacteria can build on your gums and remaining teeth. Brushing, flossing, drinking enough water, and eating healthy can help you maintain your oral health.
Floss before you brush your teeth. Some patients use water flossers or water picks, which use a stream of water to remove debris from between teeth. We can also teach you how to floss with a threaded floss.
Then, when you brush, use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Non-abrasive toothpaste is safer than abrasive toothpaste, which can damage your restoration. While restorations are durable, they can sustain damage like your natural teeth.
Also, visit Annapolis, MD, dentist Dr. Sheen twice yearly to maintain superior dental health. At regular dental visits, Dr. Sheen will examine your implant restoration. Then, our hygienists gently clean your restoration, remaining natural teeth, and gums.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Annapolis, MD, dentist Dr. Sheen has extensive training and experience with dental implants for missing teeth. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Sheen or call (443) 482-5202. We will discuss your oral health, concerns, budget, and the benefits of dental implants.