No one wants to live with missing teeth; it can be embarrassing to smile in pictures, and you might find yourself avoiding social situations. Also, missing teeth can cause several oral health issues, ranging from jawbone density loss to shifting teeth to problems with your bite.
Dental implants from your Los Gatos dentist can replace your missing teeth, but many people don’t understand the process of restoring your smile with this preferred method. Keep reading for a detailed explanation of the dental implant process.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Implants
If you decide to pursue dental implants in Los Gatos to replace your missing teeth, here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation and Exam
The first step involves an oral examination and discussion about your health history. Then, we will take x-rays to determine whether you have sufficient bone density for dental implants. Our dental team will discuss your treatment and help you with your insurance and payments.
2. Pre-Surgical Appointment
During your next appointment, we will take impressions of your teeth and jaw and talk to you about your upcoming procedure. You will want to be sure you have plenty of soft foods to eat after your dental implant procedure.
3. Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafting
Depending on your dental situation, you may need to remove one or more of your teeth or undergo a bone graft to support your dental implants. If you have a bone graft, it will need to heal for several months before your dental implant procedure can take place.
4. Implant Surgery
Your dentist in Los Gatos will surgically place a titanium post into your jawbone. This implant must integrate with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Healing time for this step is typically four to six months.
5. Follow-Up Appointments
During your healing time, we will monitor your progress. The frequency of dental visits will depend on your dental situation.
6. Healing Cap Appointment
If your dental implant was placed under your gums, we will uncover it and place a healing cap on it. This cap will shape your gums in preparation for the next step. You will need to heal for approximately two weeks before the final stages of your dental implant procedure.
7. Impressions
After your gums have healed, we will take impressions and help you choose a tooth color for your dental crown. We will send this information to a dental lab so they can create your prosthetic tooth.
8. Abutment and Crown Placement
Once the dental lab has created your crown, we will place a connector piece, known as an abutment, to your dental implant. Then, we will cement your dental crown in place and adjust your bite.
Dental Implants in Los Gatos, CA
If you want to discuss the dental implant process or have questions about tooth replacement, your Los Gatos dentist can help. At James Lin, DMD, we can discuss your options and form a treatment plan that fits your needs. You can reach our dental office at (408) 358-2161 to schedule a consultation.