Missing teeth do more than make it difficult to speak properly and eat your favorite foods; these gaps in your smile affect your self-confidence and keep you from living your life to the fullest.
The good news is that dental implants can replace your missing teeth and give you a reason to smile again.
But what’s the process like?
Let’s look at what you can expect from start to finish.
Starting Your Journey: Consultation and Planning
Your dental implant journey begins with a consultation. We’ll discuss your smile goals, explain the dental implant process, and answer all your questions.
During your initial visit, we’ll use the latest technology to assess your candidacy for dental implants. Our CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) gives us detailed 3-D images of your teeth, gums, jawbone, and soft tissues, allowing us to create a precise treatment plan for your smile.
The Surgical Phase: Implant Placement
On the day of your procedure, we’ll make a small incision in your gums and surgically place a titanium post into your jaw. This implant acts as your missing tooth’s roots and will eventually fuse with your jawbone.
If you need several implants, we’ll repeat the process until all your implants are securely in place.
The Crucial Waiting Period: Healing and Restoration
Over the course of several months, your implant fuses with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, we’ll add a custom dental crown to complete your smile. For multiple implants, we can add a dental bridge or denture.
And as an added benefit, our dental office offers CEREC® same-day crowns, so you won’t have to wait for an outside lab to create your restoration.
Long-Term Care: Protecting Your Investment
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, so it’s essential to follow these long-term care tips:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Rinse daily with antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods.
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
- Visit your Troy, MI, dentist every six months for a checkup.
Looking for an Implant Dentist in Troy, MI?
If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At Degenhardt Dental, we’ll do whatever we can to help you achieve your smile goals and improve your oral health.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (248) 643-6551.