Having one or more missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak, and feel confident in your smile, but with solutions like dental implants, you can improve your smile’s appearance and your quality of life. Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace tooth roots. They are topped with a restoration, like a crown, bridge, or denture, to create a natural-looking, long-lasting solution that boosts your confidence and restores your oral health and functionality.
At Birch Family Dental, we have proudly provided Wyoming patients with high-quality dental services since 1973. Our trusted team is surgery-driven and has completed well over 800 implants, so you can better understand the dental implant process, including preparation, sedation, placement, and recovery, and know what to expect. We work closely with you from the beginning to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps meet your goals and achieve the million-dollar smile you deserve.
5 Steps of the Dental Implant Process
Our caring specialists understand dental procedures, like implants, can be intimidating, so we explain every step of the process and answer your questions to help you feel informed and prepared. We understand every patient has unique needs and preferences, so we consider these factors when going through the following stages of the dental implant process:
Consultation
Before the procedure, we discuss your health history, goals, and personal preferences. We also conduct a careful examination to determine if implants are right for you. For example, if you do not have sufficient jawbone for implants, we may discuss bone grafting. We also review your medications and sedation options for a smooth, pain-free procedure.
Anesthesia
If you qualify for dental implants, we begin the procedure by administering local anesthesia to the gums. If you have more serious dental anxiety or other concerns, you may opt for sedation. Throughout your procedure, we ensure you are comfortable and relaxed.
Incision and Jaw Preparation
Once you feel comfortable, we make a small incision in the gums where your implant will go to expose the jawbone underneath where the implant will be placed. Then, we create an opening in the jawbone wide enough for the implant to fit.
Implant Placement and Restoration
We carefully place the implant into the jaw, reposition your gums, and close the incision. The implants can take three to six months to fuse with the jawbone, so during this healing phase, we place a temporary restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, on top. Once healed, we provide the permanent restoration for a seamless, natural look.
Recovery
You can care for implants like you care for your natural teeth. Brushing twice, flossing once daily, and getting regular cleanings help maintain your implant for many years. However, immediately after the procedure, you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days and chew on the other side of your mouth.
Most people return to work, school, and other normal activities after three days, using over-the-counter or prescribed medication to manage pain. We schedule follow-ups to check on the healing process and let you know when you are ready for your permanent restoration.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
If your tooth loss is interfering with your quality of life and self-esteem, dental implants may be right for you. At Birch Family Dental, our dental implant services offer a wide range of dazzling patient benefits, including the following:
- Improved Speaking and Chewing Ability: Missing teeth can make it hard to chew and speak. Implants can restore your oral functionality, making these basic tasks much easier.
- Enhanced Appearance: Implants can fill in gaps in your smile where your teeth have fallen out or broken, enhancing your smile’s appearance and making your face look fuller and more youthful.
- Secure Solution: Bridges and dentures fit securely on implants for a stable fit. This prevents you from worrying about slipping, which can occur with traditional restorations.
- Protect Natural Teeth: With dental implants, you do not have to shave down your neighboring teeth, which you often have to do for crowns and bridges.
- Long-Lasting Results: Dental implants are one of the most durable solutions for tooth loss. With the proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. However, the restoration attached to the implant will need to be replaced at some point.
The pressure created when chewing helps stimulate the jawbone to promote healthy bone density. When teeth are lost, the jawbone can weaken, leading to tissue loss. Because implants replace the tooth root and fuse with the jawbone, they prevent bone loss and help stimulate growth.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Wyoming With the Knowledgeable Team at Birch Family Dental
At Birch Family Dental, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care since 1973. Our extensive experience, with over 800 implants completed, ensures you receive top-notch treatment tailored to your unique needs. We guide you through every step of the dental implant process, from initial consultation to recovery, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.
Our surgery-driven team uses the latest techniques to provide effective and lasting solutions for tooth loss. With our personalized approach, we aim to restore your smile’s function and appearance. Contact us today at (307) 875-3658 or visit our contact form to schedule your appointment.
