If I have tooth decay can I still get dental implants?

Yes, but any dental issues will have to be taken care of prior to getting dental implants. During your initial consultation, Dr. Grubb will recommend any supplemental treatments to help prevent issues and set your dental implants up for success. Most supplemental procedures can be done right here at our office and may include a bone or gum graft and gum disease treatment.

(410) 939-5800

The Dental Implant Process in Havre de Grace, MD

Q: How long does the dental implant process take?

The duration of the dental implant process varies depending on your unique needs These include your oral health, how many implants are needed, and whether a supplemental procedure is required. If you’re an ideal candidate, the process typically takes about 6 months. The duration of your treatment also depends on how long it takes your jawbone and gums to heal around the implant. Implants on the upper arch tend to take longer and healing time varies from patient to patient. For an accurate time estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Grubb. During this visit, he’ll review your oral health and create a customized treatment plan that will include a timeline. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our Havre de Grace office at (410) 939-5800 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.

Restore Your Smile with Dr. Grubb

Most of our patients know that dental implants are a superior solution for missing teeth, but many assume that the process is more lengthy and complicated than it really is. Dr. Grubb will ensure your treatment is as simple and comfortable as possible, and he even offers immediate load implants that can be placed in one appointment for your convenience.

Your Initial Consultation

The first step of the implant process is scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Grubb. During this visit, he’ll thoroughly examine your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right treatment for you. He’ll also use this time to explain each step of the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have.

If you suffer from gum disease or jawbone deterioration, he’ll likely recommend one or more supplemental procedures to prepare you for implant surgery. These procedures can include bone grafting, soft tissue augmentation, and more.

Implant Placement and Restoration

Once Dr. Grubb determines you’re ready, he’ll place your implant fixture directly in your jawbone. From this point, you’ll need to allow three to six months for your implant to heal before your crown can be attached. This is to allow time for osseointegration, the process of your implant fixture fusing with your jaw to take the place of a natural tooth root.

For patients who don’t have this much time, we also offer immediate load implants. Using these special implants, Dr. Grubb can attach your restoration as soon as your implant surgery is complete. By condensing a multi-month process into a single appointment, immediate load implants offer a convenient alternative to the traditional method.

After Your Implant Placement

After your dental implants have been placed, you will be sent home with a complete list of after-care instructions from Dr. Grubb. Bending, lifting, and strenuous activity can increase your risk of bleeding, swelling, or other complications. For this reason, you will be told to minimize pressure on the surgery site, restrict physical activities, and be sure to rest after your procedure. In addition to rest, patients need to visually inspect their implant site for any changes or abnormal side-effects. These should be reported to our office immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants safe?

How long does the dental implant process take?

If I suffer from tooth decay, can I still get dental implants?

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are completely safe and are effective in stimulating your jawbone. Implant treatment boasts a high success rate, as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified dentist like Dr. Grubb. Dental implants are not only effective in restoring your smile, but provide patients with a customized restoration that’s long-lasting.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The dental implant process typically takes six months to complete, but this can vary from patient to patient. The duration of your treatment also depends on how long your jawbone and gums take to heal around the implant. Procedures done on the upper arch tend to have a longer healing period compared to the lower jaw.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Grubb to create a customized treatment plan and determine an accurate recovery time estimate. You can call our Havre de Grace office at (410) 939-5800 to reach a knowledgeable team member.

If I suffer from tooth decay, can I still get dental implants?

You can still get dental implants even if you have tooth decay, but those issues will have to be taken care of prior to receiving treatment. During your initial consultation, Dr. Grubb will examine your oral health and recommend any supplemental treatments to help prevent any further complications.

Most supplemental procedures can be done right here at our Harvard de Grace office and may include a bone or gum graft and gum disease treatment. Once this process is complete, you’re all set to receive your dental implants that will enhance your smile.

Visit Dr. Grubb for Dental Implants

If you have reservations about the dental implant process, Dr. Grubb will be happy to clear them up for you. To schedule your initial consultation, contact our practice in Havre de Grace today – it’s the first step to your new smile.