Dental Implants
Everything you need to know about Dental Implants
Attend a Free Consultation
Every dental implant procedure at Sahara Dental begins with a free consultation. At this consultation, our friendly doctors create a customized treatment plan just for you, and you will learn exactly how much dental implants will cost you, without having to worry about any surprise fees.
Pre-Procedure Exam
When you decide you are ready to move forward with dental implants, our doctor will finalize your treatment plan and begin to prepare everything you will need for your procedure. Once this exam is complete, you are ready to schedule your procedure.
Dental Implant Procedure
This is your big day. When you walk out of your procedure, your dental implants will be in place and you’ll go home with a new set of teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Post Procedure Check Ups
It is important to keep in mind there is a recovery period following your dental implant procedure. Typically patients will be on a soft food diet for several weeks to a few months while their implants heal. During this time, our patient come back in for several checkups to ensure that everything is healing properly. All of your post-op checkups are at no additional cost.
Receive Your Permanent Teeth
This is the final step! When your mouth has finished healing and your new dental implants have stabilized, we will replace your temporary teeth with your new permanent teeth.
Click here to learn about the all-on-four procedure.
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for those who are missing one or more teeth. They offer a permanent, stable, and natural-looking replacement option that can improve the overall health of your mouth and provide a boost to your confidence and self-esteem. In this article, we'll explore dental implants in detail, including what they are, how they're placed, and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are typically made of titanium and other biocompatible materials, and are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone in the jaw grows around the implant, securing it in place. Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment and crown can be placed on top to complete the tooth replacement.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many reasons why dental implants have become the preferred choice for people who are missing teeth. Some of the most notable benefits include:
Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, so they won't detract from your appearance or self-esteem. They also help to preserve the natural contours of your face, preventing the sunken or aged look that can result from missing teeth.
Improved oral health: Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants don't rely on surrounding teeth for support. This means that they won't compromise the health of your remaining natural teeth, and can actually help to preserve the health of your jawbone.
Increased stability: Dental implants are firmly anchored into the jawbone, so they won't slip or shift in your mouth. This makes them much more stable than dentures, and gives you greater confidence when eating and speaking.
Long-lasting durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
The Placement Procedure
The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that typically takes several months to complete. During the first appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, they will then place the implant into your jawbone and cover it with a temporary restoration.
Over the next several weeks, the implant will fuse with the bone in your jaw, a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the dentist will place an abutment and crown on top of the implant, completing the replacement tooth.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the placement of dental implants, it's normal to experience some swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will provide you with instructions for caring for your mouth, and may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
In the days and weeks following the procedure, you'll need to avoid hard or crunchy foods, and stick to a soft diet. As you heal, you'll gradually be able to return to your normal diet, and should brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
It's also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that the implant is healing properly, and to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have.