Seven steps in the dental implant process

1. Consultation visit and initial evaluation. When you first consider getting dental implants, you must schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this initial visit, your dentist evaluates your oral health and determines if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
2. Treatment planning and preparation. Once you have been considered a suitable candidate for our quality dental implants, the next step is creating a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. This may involve taking X-rays or 3D scans of your jawbone to determine the best placement for the implant.
3. Removing damaged teeth (if necessary). If your teeth are extensively damaged, they may need to be removed first before proceeding with the implant process. Our dentist might also recommend bone grafting if your jawbone is too weak to support the implants.
4. Placing the implant. The actual process of dental implant placement requires minor surgery, which can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. The dentist creates an incision in your gum tissues to expose the bone and then drills a hole to place the implant.
5. Healing and osseointegration. Once the implant has been placed, it will need time to heal and bond with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 3-6 months, during which you may have temporary teeth or dentures placed over the implant site.
6. Attaching abutment and crown. Once the implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, your dentist attaches an abutment to the implant, which serves as a connector between the implant and the crown. The crown is then placed on top of the abutment, creating a natural-looking tooth.
7. Follow-up appointments and maintenance. After your dental implant procedure, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure proper healing and function of the implant. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are also crucial for maintaining your dental implants for years to come.

Ocala, Florida, area patients are welcome to contact Ocala Smiles to discuss their candidacy for dental implants and learn more about their options for smile restoration. Our office is at 1800 SE 17th St, STE 602, and is open to new patients who call for an appointment at 352-867-7181.