If you need a dental implant, you probably have questions. The word “implant” sounds more intimidating than it actually is. Once you understand what happens step by step during the dental implant procedure in our Oxford, PA office, most patients realize it is not nearly as scary as they imagined.
At Oxford Family Dentistry, Dr. Stefan Speck and Dr. Brennan Ertl have helped countless patients in the Oxford area replace missing teeth with implants. They are trusted providers of dental implants that Oxford, PA, patients rely on for expert care. Here is exactly what you can expect from start to finish.
Step 1: The Conversation
Every implant starts with a conversation. No commitment. No pressure. Just you and your dentist talking about your smile.
During this first visit, Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl will examine your mouth, take digital images, and ask about your health history. They want to know if your jawbone has enough density to support an implant. They will check if your gums are healthy. They will ask about any medical conditions that might affect healing.
If everything looks good, they will walk you through the process and answer every question you have. If you need a bone graft first, some patients do, they will explain that too. No surprises.
This is the most important part of the dental implant procedure. A thorough evaluation ensures the best outcome.
Step 2: Implant Placement
Once you are ready to move forward, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Speck and Dr. Ertl work with a local oral surgeon for this part of the dental implant procedure. The surgeon numbs the area completely. Then they make a small opening in your gum and gently place a titanium post into your jawbone.
You may feel some pressure and movement but no pain. The procedure usually takes about an hour for a single tooth. You go home the same day.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next few months, your jawbone grows around the titanium post and fuses to it. This is called osseointegration. All it means is that the implant becomes a permanent part of you.
During this time, you can eat normally. Stick to softer foods for the first few days. Then you can go about your regular life. You will not walk around with a gap in your smile either. We will give you a temporary restoration to wear while you heal.
This healing phase is critical for the success of your dental implants Oxford PA . The bone must integrate with the implant for long term stability.
Step 4: Placing the Abutment
Once your implant has fused to your jawbone, you come back for a much shorter appointment. Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl reopens the gum just enough to attach a small connector piece called an abutment. This piece sits above the gum line and acts as the anchor for your final tooth.
Your gum needs about two more weeks to heal around the abutment. Then you are ready for the final step.
Step 5: Your New Tooth
Your permanent crown, the part that looks like a real tooth, gets custom made just for you. Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl takes impressions so the lab can match the shape, size, and color to your surrounding teeth.
When your crown is ready, you come in one last time. They check the fit, make any tiny adjustments, and cement or screw the crown onto the abutment. That is it. You walk out with a fully restored smile.
This is the most rewarding part of the dental implant procedure . You finally see the result of your investment.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Procedure Take?
One of the most common questions patients ask is about timing. How long will the whole process take? When can I have my new tooth? In general, most patients complete the dental implant process within a year
Here is how long each step of the implant process takes:
- Surgery: This is the shortest part. Placing a single implant usually takes about one hour. You will be numb, so you will not feel pain. After the surgery, you go home the same day.
- Healing: This takes about three to six months. During this time, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post. Rushing this phase can lead to implant failure, so we let your body do its work.
- Abutment Placement: Once your implant has healed, Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl will attach a small connector called an abutment. This appointment takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your gums then need about two weeks to heal around the abutment.
- Final Restoration: Once we receive your crown, bridge, or denture, Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl will attach it to the abutment. This visit usually takes about 30 minutes.
For patients who need a bone graft, the timeline may be longer. Bone grafting adds about three to six months of healing before the implant can be placed.
Begin the Dental Implant Process With a Visit
Do you have more questions or are you ready to begin the implant process? Call Oxford Family Dentistry at 610-981-1320. You can also schedule an implant consultation with us online. We’ll walk you through your treatment plan and what to expect when you get implants.