At Texas Oral Surgery Specialists, Dr. Chris Tye offers dental implants to replace one missing tooth and All-on-4® implant-supported dentures and bridges to replace a few or all teeth. Implants have a long list of benefits. Once you’ve determined that they’d be a great fit for your life, you may wonder what you can expect during and after dental implant surgery.
What to expect at dental implant surgery
Have you ever heard the saying “good things take time”? Well, this is true for dental implants. Oral surgery requires commitment, but the end goal is always worth it – just see our patient testimonials! By the end of your time with Dr. Tye, you will have a fully functioning, beautiful smile.
How the surgery is performed depends on the individual case, but dental implant surgery always requires these procedures:
- Dental implant placement: To place the biocompatible post, Dr. Tye will insert the implant into your jawbone through a small incision on the gum. The post will serve as a replacement for your tooth’s root. A temporary crown (one implant), bridge (one or two implants), or denture (four to six implants) will be placed until the incision site heals.
- Bone growth and healing: This process is called osseointegration and will take three to six months, in most cases. Your natural jawbone will join with the implant post to create a solid foundation for the artificial tooth. The implant becomes like part of the body, fully integrated into the jawbone tissue.
- Abutment placement: Once the jawbone is completely healed, Dr. Tye will place an abutment on top of the dental implant post. The abutment will remain exposed, so you’ll see it when you open your mouth.
- Restoration placement: To design your restoration, Dr. Tye will need to take impressions of your mouth. The impressions will be used to create your custom prosthetic – either a single crown, a bridge, or a denture. Your new tooth or teeth will blend beautifully with the esthetics of your smile to look natural.
In some cases, patients need a tooth extraction and/or bone grafting before dental implant placement. In some cases, these procedures can be combined to shorten the process. Overall, dental implant placement and restoration can take up to a year or a bit longer from start to finish.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Honestly, the only downside of dental implants is the length of the timeline. Other than that, they provide a wide range of benefits that you won’t realize with other tooth replacement options.
Advantages of dental implants include:
- Improved oral health
- Improved jawbone health
- Improved facial appearance
- Improved speech
- Comfort
- Stability
- Elevated self-esteem
- Convenience of care
- Can last the rest of your life
While other tooth replacement options, like removable dentures and crown-supported bridges, will provide some of these benefits, they don’t last as long. Dental implants are nearly 100 percent successful and, with proper oral care, will last a lifetime.
Caring for Dental Implants
So how would you maintain your dental implants? It’s simple! By treating them just like real teeth: brush often and properly, floss, use antibacterial mouthwash, and attend regular dental appointments.
Visit Your Colleyville Oral Surgeon Today
Don’t live any longer with a less-than-functional smile. Dr. Tye and our team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists are prepared to walk with you through the dental implant process. We’ll be here to provide you with excellent care and encouragement every step of the way; give us a call today.