The Dental Implant Process

Get a permanent tooth replacement with dental implants. Here at Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando, we are here to serve our patients and provide them with high-quality dental care. When you come to us we will help you get through the dental implant process with ease and will fully prepare you for the stages that come along with the treatment so that you can get that beautiful smile that you have always wanted. With Dental Implants it will be like you never lost your teeth in the first place. Wither you are getting one implant or a set to hold dentures at our dental office, we want you to be informed ahead of time so that you know what steps will be taken prior to the surgery and that you know exactly how the procedure takes place. Therefore, we have broken down the dental implant process so that you can see the stages of treatment and the process of recovery which will ultimately lead you to that perfect smile.

Assessing the Teeth and Planning a Mode of Treatment

At the initial consultation with Dr. Aileen Trivedi, you will be able to discuss a treatment plan that best suits your needs. The dentist will assess the need for the implant treatment and will take some X-rays and even prepare models of the teeth. She will generate an action plan that will help in the overall sequence of the treatment and see how the entire process will take place. During this consultation, Dr. Trivedi will also take impressions of the teeth and will provide you with a time frame for the treatment, information about recovery, and notify you if there is a need for a bone graft or not.

Bone Grafting and Removal of Teeth

If there is a need for a bone graft, then it will take approximately four to twelve months before the jaw is ready for the implant. The ultimate purpose of the bone graft is to allow sufficient time for the bone to heal properly before the actual dental implant is placed.

Placing the Implant and Healing Process

The patients should not be worried about the placement of the implants³ as it is a minor surgical procedure that will be performed under sterile conditions by Dr. Aileen Trivedi. The patient will receive anesthesia and sedation if it is required. What happens during the process is that the doctor will view the underlying bone, if she thinks there is a need, then she will opt for the bone regeneration option. The bone regeneration can be carried out before or even at the same time as the implant depending on the requirements. The implant is a metal screw that Dr. Aileen will place within the bone and will serve as an anchor for the prosthesis. The entire process will last around two hours during which the person will be under anesthesia and sedation. After the implant is put in place, then begins the healing process which will last around five-seven months.

The Integration Period

This is the time that it takes the implants to fuse with the patient’s bone. It usually lasts from six weeks to approximately six months. During this time, the patient may have to wear temporary dentures depending on the need. In some cases, temporary teeth can also be fixed to the implants as they integrate.

The Restorative Process

When the implants are integrated, they can be in full function with many options available such as single crowns, removable dentures, large bridge and so forth. Dr. Trivedi always chooses the best option for the patient and even has a dental technician to work by her side when it comes to constructing the definitive restorations.

Placing a Collar or a Temporary Crown

After the implants are fused in with the jawbone you will be prepared for the next step which involves placing the collar or the temporary crown. Dr. Aileen Trivedi will carefully place the healing collar on the implant which will help guide the gum so that it can heal. The collar is made of a round piece of metal that keeps the gums away from the implant and stays on for two weeks. After the tissue properly heals, the doctor will remove it and move on to the next steps.

Placing the Abutment

Placing the abutment involves screwing the abutment into the implants which help in supporting the crown. After the abutment has been placed the dentist will take an impression of the abutment for each of the replacement teeth. There will be a temporary crown that will be put in place so that the tissue can heal and form around the artificial tooth. This crown will be worn for the course of six weeks, during this time a permanent crown will be made.

The Permanent Crown

The final stage of the entire procedure is to place the crown by screwing it into the abutment or cement it into place. Dr. Aileen Trivedi may choose between two types of crowns based on the individual’s needs:

Removal Crown: The removable teeth are white and have pink material that stimulates the natural tooth around the gum tissue. These types of teeth can be removed on daily basis for cleaning purposes.
Fixed Crown: This is a type of artificial tooth that can be screwed or cemented on. The difference between the two is that this one is permanent, and you will not be able to remove it later. This type of crown is a lot stronger and proves to be a lot more stable.

Dental Implant-Post Op Symptoms

After the implant is put in place you may experience some swelling and pain. There could also be minimal bleeding a bruising which will heal over the course of a couple of days. If you feel like this is a cause for concern or notice that the symptoms are lasting longer than expected, then do not hesitate to contact our dental office and we will immediately schedule a checkup visit.

Implant Care and Maintaining that Beautiful Smile

It is essential that the individual regularly clean the restorations as instructed by Dr. Trivedi. The implants should be cared for the same way that one would do with their normal teeth such as brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing daily, and using a non-alcohol mouthwash. Times Square Dental adds that if you take proper care of your dental implants they can last a life time. It is also important to you schedule regular checkups with Dr. Aileen Trivedi every six months so that she can closely view the health of the soft tissue, monitor the bone level, and see if the implant is in place as it should be.