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Wondering what to expect if you get dental implants from Dr. James Burden in Williamsburg? In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step overview of what you can expect from the process. Let’s get started now.
As a first step, you’ll come into our office for an initial consultation. Dr. Burden will examine your mouth and take images and x-rays of your teeth to determine if a dental implant is right for you. If you are a good candidate, he will begin creating your implant placement plan right away. This process may take a few weeks.
In some cases, you may need pre-implant surgeries to prepare for a dental implant. Tooth extraction may be required if you’re replacing a damaged tooth. Alveoloplasty may be required to smooth out your jaw bone, or a bone graft or sinus lift may be required to strengthen your jaw bone to accept an implant. It can take 3-6 months or longer to recover from these treatments and prepare for implant placement.
Dr. Burden will use your implant placement plan to create a small opening in your jaw and gum tissue. Then, he will place the implant (a screw-shaped piece of titanium) precisely into this opening. The area will be cleaned and disinfected, then sewn shut with stitches. This process may be repeated if you’re getting multiple implants.
It takes about 2 weeks to heal from your initial placement process. However, your implant will need to continue to “osseointegrate” and bond with your jaw tissue for between 3-6 months. Once it has fully bonded with your mouth, your restoration can be placed.
During the 3-6 month period that your mouth is healing after your implant is placed, you’ll come in for a few follow-up appointments at the office of James A. Burden DDS and Associates. Your healing progress will be checked, and images and impressions of your mouth will be taken. This information will be sent to a dental lab where your implant restoration (such as a dental crown) will be made.
Once your mouth has healed completely, you’ll come in for a final procedure a few weeks before your implant restoration is attached. Dr. James Burden will attach an abutment to your implant. This abutment is what attaches your implant to the implant-supported restoration, and holds it in place.
Once your abutment has been attached and your mouth has healed, you’ll come in for your final appointment. Dr. Burden will attach your implant-supported restoration, completing the procedure and restoring your smile.
Overall, the entire implant process can take anywhere from 3-12 months or longer, depending on how quickly your mouth heals and a variety of other factors.
Interested in learning more details about the implant process and finding out if a dental implant is right for you? Don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at the office of James A. Burden DDS and Associates today. Just give us a call at (757) 229-1224, or stop by our office at 277 McLaws Circle, Williamsburg, VA 23185 to make an appointment in person.
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