7 Steps to Reconstructing Your Smile with Implant Dentistry

Rebuilding your smile with implants is a lengthy process that requires great accuracy and precision. Working closely with an experienced implant dentist near me will contribute to the success of your treatment. If you live in or near Greensboro, North Carolina, you can count on the services of Dr. Travis Bell and our team for implant dentistry.

In this post, we explore the seven steps of getting implants to give you a better idea of what to expect:

Step 1 Consultation and Imaging

Implant dentistry requires a thorough oral evaluation and review of your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Dr. Bell will take X-rays and scans of your mouth to assess your jawbone density, nerve pathways, and other factors that affect implant placement and healing. We’ll discuss your implant options, determine the number of implants you need, and create a personalized plan for treatment.  

Step 2 Preparatory Work (If Needed)

The next step is prep work for surgery for those who need it. If your jawbone is weak due to bone loss from missing teeth, we’ll perform a bone graft before your surgery. A bone graft increases jawbone density to create a stronger foundation for your implants. We’ll also extract irreparably damaged teeth to pave the way for your surgery.

Step 3 Implant Placement

Implant surgery is done using local anesthesia and sedation for those who need extra help relaxing for their procedure. Dr. Bell will make a small incision in your gum to gain access to your jawbone, drill a small hole, and place the implant inside. Implants are small, titanium screws that take the place of lost tooth roots. After placing the implants, we’ll stitch your gum closed to help it heal. 

Step 4 Osseointegration (Healing)

Once the implants are in place, the process of osseointegration begins. This process occurs gradually over a period of three to nine months. The surrounding bone tissue will fuse with the implants to keep them firmly in place. This phase of your treatment is vital to the success of your treatment.

Step 5 Abutment Attachment

Once the implants heal, we’ll reopen your gums to attach abutments (connectors) to the implants to hold your new teeth. Then we’ll wait two to three weeks for the abutments to heal.

Step 6 Impressions/Fabrication of Restorations

After the abutments heal, Dr. Bell will take impressions of your mouth to have restorations custom-fitted for your mouth. These impressions are sent to a lab where crowns, bridges, and dentures are fabricated. Your artificial teeth will mimic the features of real teeth for a realistic, natural-looking appearance.

Step 7 Placement of Final Restorations

The last step is securing your new teeth to the abutments to finalize your treatment. Upon completion of your procedure, you’ll have a full, healthy, functional smile again!

Where to Go for Implant Dentistry Near Me

To learn more about implant dentistry in Greensboro, NC, feel free to contact Dr. Travis Bell in Greensboro, NC at (336) 297-6956. 

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