Restore Your Smile in Three Easy Steps
If you want a natural-looking, permanent solution for missing teeth, dental implants are the right choice for you. Though the procedure may seem complicated at first glance, it’s actually simpler than you might think.
Explore our guide to learn about each step of the implant process, as well as alternative options if you’re short on time.
Your Initial Consultation
During your first visit, Dr. Crawford will examine the state of your oral health to determine if you’re an immediate candidate for implants. If you suffer from gum recession or jawbone deterioration, then you may need to undergo a supplemental procedure to prepare your mouth for implants. These can include bone grafting, soft tissue augmentation, and more.
Your consultation is also a great opportunity to ask Dr. Crawford questions and learn everything you want to know about the procedure.
Implant Placement
Once he determines you’re ready, Dr. Crawford will place the titanium implant fixture directly in your jaw and protect the surgical area with a temporary crown or flipper. From this point, you’ll need to wait three to six months for your mouth to fully heal.
This also allows time for osseointegration, the process of your implant fusing with your jawbone to replace the natural tooth root. It’s this unique feature that allows your implant to function like a natural tooth and it’s crucial to the success of your restoration.
Restoration
After you’re fully recovered, you can return to our office and complete your treatment. Dr. Crawford will attach a small connecting piece called an abutment to your implant and top it with your new prosthetic tooth. We feature a variety of choices to restore any amount of missing teeth, ranging from porcelain crowns to full-arch dentures.
Same-Day Implants
If you want to benefit from the security of implants without committing months of your time, Dr. Crawford can replace an entire arch of missing teeth in just one short appointment.
The procedure for same-day implants is exactly the same, but without the three to six month healing period. Instead, we can attach your abutment and restoration immediately after placing your implants. This means you can show off your new smile from the moment you leave our office.
It’s important to note that same-day implants aren’t for everyone — to take advantage of this convenient option, you’ll need a strong jawbone and healthy gums.