Are you considering getting dental implants in Burlington, NC, or have you decided to get them? It might be helpful to understand how the entire process works. Compared to other tooth replacement options, the dental implant process is invasive. It will also take a few months to complete, much longer than dentures or dental bridges. However, they offer more benefits and have a high success rate.
How long your treatment will take depends on several factors, including the number and location of the implants and whether or not you need pre-implant treatment.
Fuller Dental is a full-service dental implant office located in Burlington, NC. We will complete every step in our office, from the initial consultation to the final restoration. Our dental practice is run by Dr. Rawley H. Fuller and his expert dental team. All our dentists possess advanced training in implant dentistry. We promise that your results will be beautiful and function like natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Process
The process of getting dental implants will take place in two general phases: the placement phase and the restoration phase.
Placement Phase
The placement phase involves all the treatment planning. Your dentist will plan out all the procedures and the treatment that will take place before implantation. They will also plan out the actual surgical placement of the dental implants.
Consultation: The first step to beginning the implant process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fuller. He will evaluate and analyze your teeth, gums, bone structure, and oral health to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Planning: Your dentist will spend much time planning your treatment. This plan will include your pre-implant procedures, the number of dental implants you need, the precise location of the implants, which kind of restoration you need, and many more important details.
Pre-Implant Procedures: Depending on your unique needs and the state of your oral health, you may require certain treatments before placing the implants. This may include extracting damaged or diseased teeth or periodontal disease treatment.
Some people need bone grafting or sinus augmentation if there is insufficient or weak bone tissue. Your dentist may recommend these or other treatments to increase the chances of your implant’s success. You can move on to implant placement if you have good oral hygiene.
Surgical Placement: The surgical placement of your dental implants will occur at our Burlington, NC dentist office. Your dentist will surgically place the implants in their precise, pre-determined location in the jaw bone. The dentist can use many different types and sizes of implants. Which ones they use depends on the number and location of your missing teeth. The dentist will either attach a healing abutment to the implants, or your gums will be closed, and the healing begins.
Restoration Phase
It can take up to six months for the implants to fuse with the jaw bone after the surgical placement. Then, the team at Fuller Dental will begin to prepare you for the placement of the final restoration.
Abutments: After fully fusing with the surrounding bone, the dentist will connect a tiny piece to the implant post. If you did not use a healing abutment, we must uncover the implant to attach the permanent abutment. Abutments will sit at the gum line to support the dental restoration.
Restoration: Your dentist can finally attach your custom dental restoration. This dental prosthesis will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth or teeth. A dental crown will be attached if you are missing only one tooth, a dental bridge will be attached if you are missing multiple teeth or a denture will be attached if you are missing an entire row of teeth.
Aftercare: Dr. Fuller will want to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your new teeth function as planned. He will also give you instructions on how to care for your dental implant-supported restoration. If cared for properly, your dental implants can last a lifetime.