Dental implants are the best way to permanently replace missing teeth in Dacula. But if you’re thinking about getting implants from Dr. David Quintero at Quintero Periodontics, you may be wondering what to expect. The process can take between 6-12 months, depending on your oral health and a few other factors. Let’s break it down and explain what to expect during each step.
First, you’ll need to come and see Dr. Quintero to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants. During this consultation, Dr. Quintero will perform an oral exam, take a 3D x-ray or CAT scan, and take other steps to make sure that implants are right for you. If necessary, he will also discuss your other options for replacing your missing teeth.
After you’re approved for treatment with dental implants, you may need preparatory surgeries, such as tooth extractions to remove damaged teeth, bone grafts to rebuild your jaw bone, or sinus lifts to increase the amount of bone you have in order to place a dental implant. Dr. Quintero will discuss any necessary additional surgeries with you during your initial consultation.
Next, you’ll come to our office to get dental implant placement surgery. In this surgery, Dr. Quintero will clean and numb your mouth, then place a small metal implant in the area where you’ve lost a tooth. Lastly, he will stabilize the area and use some stitches to close the gums. This process will be repeated if you’re getting multiple implants.
Dr. Quintero will send you home with a set of recovery instructions. You can get back to your normal activities within a day or two, but it will take a couple weeks for your mouth to heal from dental implant surgery.
However, it takes longer for your dental implant to permanently bond with your jaw bone. This process is called “osseointegration,” and usually takes at least 3-6 months for most patients. You’ll come into our office for checkups during this time so that Dr. Quintero can track your progress.
When your implant has fully healed, you’ll come back to have an abutment placed on your implant. The abutment is a small piece of metal that will connect your implant to your final restoration, such as a porcelain dental crown. This usually involves minor surgery to expose the implant, and then attach the abutment.
After your abutment has been placed, Dr. Quintero will give you the clearance to resume with your general dentist or prosthodontist to work with a dental lab and create your dental restoration, such as a crown, dental bridge, or a set of implant-supported dentures. It may require several follow-ups and fittings during this process to make sure the color and shape are correct.
Once your dental restoration is finished, they will attach your new teeth permanently, and send you home to enjoy your new smile. It is very important that Dr. Quintero and his team complete regular cleanings around your implant so it will not develop bone loss.
At Quintero Periodontics, implant dentistry is one of our specialties. If you’re missing one or more teeth in Dacula, Dr. Quintero and our team are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (770) 614-8823 to schedule a consultation, see if you’re a candidate for implants, and take the first steps toward a healthier mouth.