As you begin your tooth restoration journey, you may be anxious to get started. Having the smile you dreamed of can make a difference in your confidence, your diet, your relationships, and your career. While getting dental implants can be a long process for some, you may not have a months-long wait in certain situations.
The Dental Implant Process for Healthy Gums
If you need more than one tooth replaced, you may be in for a longer wait. Your implant dentist will have to assess your oral health to make sure your jaw, teeth, and gums are healthy enough for implants. If you have advanced gum disease, for example, you may have to undergo bone grafts or choose a different restoration method.
After your doctor clears you for implants, the procedure will continue as follows:
Placement of the Artificial Roots – 3 to 6 Months
The root is the most important part of the implant. It will decide the success or failure of the procedure. That is why your jaw bone must be dense and healthy to successfully anchor the replacement tooth.
Artificial roots are drilled into the jawbone. This process can take a couple of hours and will require 3 to 6 months to heal. During the recovery period, the implant and the surrounding bone tissue will merge together, creating a stronger bond.
Placement of the Crown – 2 to 4 Weeks
The crown is the visible part of your implant–the new tooth itself. To create the best fit for your mouth, bite, and remaining teeth, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth. They will use this mold to create the teeth that will go onto the abutment (the connector between the root and the crown).
Your dentist will assess the color and fit of your new teeth to make sure they’re comfortable. They may make adjustments over one or more follow-up visits. Each visit is typically two weeks apart.
How Do Same-Day Dental Implants Work?
Generally, same-day implants are reserved for patients who meet very specific criteria. Good jaw and gum health is a must. Also, the more recently the tooth was lost, the better. The longer you are without a tooth, the more the bone degrades. Rather than waiting for the anchor (the bone) to become unstable, you could get a same-day dental implant in San Antonio.
If you meet the conditions for a same-day implant you will most likely not need an artificial root. Instead, a titanium or zirconia post can be attached to the jaw bone. Then, the tooth is affixed to the abutment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Implants?
Dental implants that were placed immediately after a tooth extraction have a more than 98 percent success rate, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). To increase the likelihood of a successful implant, the patient should meet certain criteria. Generally, you should:
- Have good oral health
- Be a non-smoker
- Not grind your teeth
Ideally, you don’t need more than one tooth replaced if you’re looking for same-day services, but a dentist could potentially replace a few teeth in one appointment.
Get Affordable Dental Implants in San Antonio at Local Dental
If you’re looking for same-day dental implants in San Antonio, TX, our office is ready to assist you. We can assess your eligibility for a same-day procedure, or, if you don’t meet the criteria, we can begin your restorative journey. Whether you’re looking for dental implants in San Antonio, or you need a family dentist to help you manage your oral health, Local Dental can help. Call 210-791-6929 or fill out a contact form to schedule your appointment. We also offer emergency dental services if you need immediate tooth extraction and replacement.
