More and more people are becoming familiar with the general long-term benefits of dental implants and choosing them for tooth replacement. That’s great news because implants can have a dramatic positive impact on you, your comfort, and your overall quality of life.
While getting a dental implant in Winston-Salem isn’t a complicated process, there are several steps involved that take place over a period that ranges between 6 and 8 months.
Step 1: Placing Your Dental Implant
An oral surgeon numbs your mouth, determines the optimal position for your implant, and then places it surgically in your jawbone. While everyone’s needs are unique, placing a tooth implant is a straightforward, in-office procedure that takes about an hour in most cases.
Most patients report minimal discomfort with the procedure and say that the process involves less pain than a tooth extraction.
Step 2: The Implant Healing Process
As the titanium implant heals in your jaw, it fuses with the bone and tissue around it. This process is called osseointegration, and once the implant heals fully in your jaw, it becomes part of your dental anatomy.
Step 3: Attaching Your Dental Restoration
Your implant has healed, and the next step is for your dentist in Winston-Salem to place a dental crown. This is the part of the tooth implant that is visible when you smile and restores chewing function.
Attached to the implant with a piece called an abutment, your implant restoration would be a crown if we’re replacing a single tooth. If we’re replacing two or more teeth, it might be a bridge or a full or partial denture.
Enjoy Your New Smile!
It’s a long process, but patients who have gotten a dental implant say that the results were well worth the wait! You will have a stable tooth replacement that can last a lifetime with diligent oral care, and you can go back to chewing comfortably and enjoying your favorite foods.
But best of all is the fact that you can interact confidently again with others, knowing you’re your smile looks healthy and beautiful.
If you would like to learn if you’re a good candidate for a tooth implant, please call our Winston-Salem dental office to get started.