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How Dr. Grubb Restores Your Teeth
Many dentists, including our own Havre De Grace dentist, Dr. Richard Grubb, consider dental implants the gold standard of restorative dentistry. But what makes them the best quality dental restoration available today? The key to the durability of dental implants lies in the clinically proven dental implant process.
Read about the dental implant process at Family Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry in Havre de Grace, MD, to learn why so many experienced dentists trust dental implants to restore and maintain your oral health, bone structure, and stunning smile.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option that involves surgically placing a small post made of titanium or other biocompatible materials into the jawbone. The implant acts as an anchor for a replacement tooth or bridge, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
The dental implant placement process involves several steps, including initial consultation, the implant placement procedure, and a period of healing and osseointegration, during which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue.
Dental Implant Placement
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant placement process is an initial consultation with Havre De Grace implant dentist Dr. Grubb. During this consultation, your implant dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and gums, review their medical history, and take x-rays or other images to evaluate the condition of the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Based on this evaluation, your dentist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Supplemental Treatments
Before you receive dental implants, our dentist may recommend supplemental treatments to optimize your oral health. These treatments include gum and bone grafting, which can rebuild the necessary structures that support and protect your dental implants. Undergoing a supplemental treatment may make you a more suitable candidate for implants.
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Implant Placement Procedure
Once the treatment plan is in place, the dental implant placement procedure can begin. This process typically involves several steps:
- Local Anesthetic or IV Sedation: Your dentist will numb the implant placement area with local anesthetic or use IV sedation to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Incision: He’ll make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. Then, he’ll use a series of specialized tools to drill a small hole in the jawbone for the implant.
- Implant Placement: The implant post fits into the hole in the jawbone and is screwed into place. A temporary restoration may cover the implant to protect it as it heals.
- Suture: Your implant dentist will close the incision with sutures or stitches.
The entire implant placement procedure usually takes around one to two hours to complete, depending on the number of implants and the case complexity.
Healing and Osseointegration
After the implant placement, you’ll enter a period of healing and osseointegration. This process usually takes several months as the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to create a stable foundation for the customized dental crown or bridge.
During this time, you’ll follow Dr. Grubb’s instructions for oral hygiene practices to ensure the implant site remains clean and free from infection. We may also recommend special diet and lifestyle modifications to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Finalizing Your Restorations
Single-Tooth Restoration
The first step in finalizing your single-tooth implant placement is taking impressions of your teeth and the implant site. These will aid in the creation of your dental crown and custom abutment, the piece that connects the implant to the crown.
The final step is placing the crown onto the abutment. The dental crown is the visible part of the implant restoration and is customized to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. The final crown placement is a quick and painless process and involves cementing the crown onto the abutment with a dental adhesive.
Implant-Supported Overdentures
An implant-supported overdenture is a type of removable denture anchored in place by dental implants. This implant denture is excellent for those missing multiple teeth, as the implants provide a secure and stable base for the denture.
The advantages of these overdentures are that you can replace multiple missing teeth at once with a more stable restoration than traditional dentures. Your dentist will guide you through removing the restoration for cleaning after placing it.
Full-Arch Restorations
Our Havre de Grace implant dentist also offers full-arch restorations, which include fixed implant-supported dentures. Because they’re attached to a set of implants, they can remain attached to your jaw, even when you clean them. A benefit of these fixed implant dentures is their easy maintenance — just brush twice and floss once daily to keep them looking and feeling radiant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks associated with dental implant placement?
How do I know I need a dental implant or a different tooth replacement option?
How soon after dental implant placement can I resume normal activities?
How do I prepare for dental implant placement?
What are the risks associated with dental implant placement?
Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with dental implant placement. These risks include infection, nerve damage, and implant failure. However, an experienced dentist will have successfully completed this procedure many times, greatly minimizing these risks. They can help you understand the risks and benefits before moving forward with treatment.
How do I know I need a dental implant or a different tooth replacement option?
Your dentist can help you determine the best tooth replacement option for your needs and circumstances. Factors that may influence this decision include the number of teeth missing, the location of the missing teeth, and your oral and overall health.
How soon after dental implant placement can I resume normal activities?
Your dentist will walk you through how to care for your implant and when you can resume normal activities, such as eating and drinking. In general, you should avoid strenuous activities and follow a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure. You’ll also need to avoid behaviors such as tobacco use and aggressive brushing or rinsing to ensure you heal properly.
How do I prepare for dental implant placement?
Your dentist will provide specific instructions on preparing for dental implant placement, which may include fasting before the procedure, stopping certain medications, and arranging for transportation to and from the appointment. Your dentist may also recommend a range of supplemental procedures to prepare your bone and gums for dental implants.
Credentials
Trust Dr. Grubb For Your Implant Placement Process
Dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking solution for those missing one or more teeth. At Family Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry in Havre De Grace, MD, our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to providing patients with top-quality care and personalized treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals. From the initial consultation to the final placement of the implant-supported restoration, we use the latest techniques and technology to ensure a comfortable, efficient, and successful treatment experience.
If you’re living in or around Havre de Grace, considering dental implants, and would like to learn more about our services, please contact us today by calling (410) 939-5800 or filling out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.