Dental Implants Timeline: What to Expect
Are you considering dental implants? If so, it is essential to know not only the details about the procedure, but how to best care for your teeth in the days and weeks that follow to achieve optimal results. The dental implant timeline involves consulting with your dentist in advance, preparing for the surgery, and making sure that you practice excellent oral hygiene habits in the months and years that follow.
Serving patients in the Brookline, MA, and Boston, MA, areas for over 10 years, Dr. Daniel M. Whiteman at Whiteman Dental Associates can answer any questions you may have to help you on your journey to achieving a perfect smile.
The Consultation
Before your dental implant procedure begins, Dr. Whiteman will ensure that you meet certain qualifications so that the procedure is a success. A suitable candidate for dental implants meets the following criteria:
- Is missing one or more teeth
- Is free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions
- Has sufficient jawbone density
- Is in good overall health
- Is willing and able to care for the mouth properly throughout the treatment process
Oral health issues or insufficient jawbone density must be addressed before moving forward with dental implants. In these cases, we recommend the appropriate treatments, such as fillings, scaling and root planing, and bone grafting.
Implant Placement
To begin, local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the implant will be placed. We may also recommend other forms of dental sedation for patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety.
Next, the dental implant, a small screw-like rod, is inserted into the jawbone through a small incision in the gums. These small, titanium posts serve as prosthetic tooth roots.
Finally, a temporary crown, bridge, or denture is placed on top of the implant while your mouth heals.
Healing & Recovery
The recovery timeline for the surgery varies based on each individual case. For most people, recovery lasts for a few days and the associated pain can be relieved with at-home remedies and prescribed pain medication. However, if your surgery was complex, recovery may persist for longer.
Full healing and osseointegration generally takes between four to six months following the procedure.
Our team will provide you with detailed instructions for how to care for your mouth and the surgical site in the days after your procedure.
Abutment and Impressions
Once your mouth has healed, you’ll come back to our office for your abutment, which acts as a connector between the implant and restoration. We will also take digital impressions of your mouth so we can design your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.
Placing the Restoration
After our dental lab finishes your restoration, we will attach it to your abutment, and the process will be complete. If any adjustments need to be made, we can do that during this time.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Ready to achieve that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of showing off to the world? With a state-of-the-art facility and luxury amenities, Dr. Daniel M. Whiteman and his team of licensed professionals at Whiteman Dental Associates can assist you with all of your restorative dental needs in Brookline.
Call (617) 731-4746 to schedule your appointment today.
