How Long After Implant Placement Can You Get a Dental Implant Restoration?

If you are embarrassed about your smile, consider dental implant restoration. Living without teeth can be painful and may hinder your ability to eat and chew. You may even avoid social situations and feel ashamed about the way you look. With dental implants, you can have the full function of your teeth and enjoy the appearance you have wanted.

The causes of missing teeth

People can lose teeth either due to their own poor habits or because of outside forces. Inattention to daily brushing and flossing habits can cause tooth decay. As a result, teeth can rot and eventually fall out. Other people may lose teeth because of injuries or accidents. A hard blow to the face or biting into a hard object can cause this.

Dental implant restoration consultation

When someone is ready to restore their smile, a visit to the dentist is a good first step. The dentist will discuss how dental implants work and evaluate whether this makes sense for the patient. The dentist will review the person’s dental history and will then take X-rays and make impressions. If necessary, the dentist will pull severely decayed or infected teeth.

The first surgery

During the first surgery for the dental implant restoration, the surgical area is numbed. That way the patient will feel comfortable during the procedure. Then an incision in the gums will be made and screw-like posts will be inserted into the jaw. If the patient has suffered bone loss, a bone graft to anchor the posts might also be performed.

Waiting period

Before the patient can continue the dental implant restoration process, a period of healing must occur. Also, time must be allowed for the titanium posts to fuse with the jawbone or graft. This time frame is critical. If the restoration is done too soon, there will not be enough stability for the implants. Usually, the patient must wait between three and six months before returning for the second surgery. Some people may have to wait as long as a year before the restoration.

The second surgery

Once the patient has fully healed and is ready, the next stage of the dental implant restoration takes place. The patient is numbed again and an incision is made to expose the tops of the posts. Then abutments on the posts are placed. The abutments are the connection point between the posts and the artificial teeth. After waiting two or three weeks for the gums to heal, the patient returns so that crowns can be placed on the abutments. The patient’s bite will then be checked to make sure everything fits correctly.

Timing is critical

If you are missing teeth and are tired of gaps in your mouth, the time is now to fix your smile. A dental implant restoration is what you need. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to heal in between the surgeries so the process can be effective. Make an appointment today so you can have a smile makeover.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

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